Energy Archives
February 7, 2012
Italy acts on Russia gas shortage amid Europe freeze
Italy has activated emergency measures to conserve gas supplies as freezing weather continues to grip the country and much of Europe.
Continue reading " Italy acts on Russia gas shortage amid Europe freeze "
February 6, 2012
Oil spurs Canada PM Stephen Harper visit to China
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit China next week to discuss the future of Canada's oil products.
Continue reading " Oil spurs Canada PM Stephen Harper visit to China "
Wind farm subsidy cut urged by MPs
More than 100 Conservative MPs have written to the prime minister urging him to cut subsidies for wind turbines.
Continue reading " Wind farm subsidy cut urged by MPs "
January 26, 2012
Coryton refinery shipments start as deal signed
Fears of fuel shortages have been eased after shipments were restarted at Coryton oil refinery in Essex.
Continue reading " Coryton refinery shipments start as deal signed "
January 25, 2012
Government cut to solar tariffs blocked as appeal fails
The government has failed in an appeal against a decision which blocked its attempts to reduce solar subsidies.
Continue reading " Government cut to solar tariffs blocked as appeal fails "
January 23, 2012
UK 'subsidising nuclear power unlawfully'
Green energy campaigners are attempting to block new nuclear power stations in the UK by complaining to the European Commission that government plans contravene EU competition regulations.
Continue reading " UK 'subsidising nuclear power unlawfully' "
January 19, 2012
Meeting to hear Dounreay-Sellafield nuclear rail plan
A Nuclear Decommissioning Authority chief is to give a presentation to councillors on its plans to move nuclear fuel from Scotland to England.
Continue reading " Meeting to hear Dounreay-Sellafield nuclear rail plan "
Offshore drilling in UK waters 'falls by a third'
Offshore drilling activity in UK waters fell by a third last year to its lowest level since 2003, a report has found.
Continue reading " Offshore drilling in UK waters 'falls by a third' "
January 17, 2012
ScottishPower cuts its gas prices by 5%
ScottishPower has become the last of the big six energy suppliers to cut its tariffs.
Continue reading " ScottishPower cuts its gas prices by 5% "
Energy firms must pass on smart meter savings, say MPs
The government must ensure that energy companies pass multi-billion-pound savings made by installing "smart" meters on to customers, MPs have said.
Continue reading " Energy firms must pass on smart meter savings, say MPs "
January 16, 2012
E.On cuts electricity price by 6%
Energy company E.On is to cut its standard electricity prices by 6%, from Monday 27 February.
Continue reading " E.On cuts electricity price by 6% "
Company's plan for coal gasification in Swansea Bay
An energy company has revealed it wants to apply for planning permission and a permit to drill for coal and extract the gas from under Swansea Bay.
Continue reading " Company's plan for coal gasification in Swansea Bay "
January 11, 2012
EDF Energy to cut gas price by 5%
One of the UK's largest energy suppliers, EDF Energy, has said it is to cut its gas bills by 5% from 7 February.
Continue reading " EDF Energy to cut gas price by 5% "
December 2, 2011
Huhne insists carbon reduction strategy is 'on track'
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has insisted that plans to cut Britain's carbon emissions are on track.
Continue reading " Huhne insists carbon reduction strategy is 'on track' "
Sellafield waste reactor proposed to convert plutonium
Plans to build a new reactor at Sellafield in Cumbria to convert waste plutonium into electricity have been proposed by energy company GE Hitachi.
Continue reading " Sellafield waste reactor proposed to convert plutonium "
November 28, 2011
German police clear nuclear waste train protest
Police in Germany say they have cleared thousands of protesters who were trying to block a trainload of nuclear waste.
Continue reading " German police clear nuclear waste train protest "
November 25, 2011
Nuclear power 'gets little public support worldwide'
There is little public appetite across the world for building new nuclear reactors, a poll for the BBC indicates.
Continue reading " Nuclear power 'gets little public support worldwide' "
November 24, 2011
Electricity cost to rise due to government policies
The government has said electricity costs will rise due to its policies.
Continue reading " Electricity cost to rise due to government policies "
November 23, 2011
Co-op shale gas report questions carbon footprint cost
Using shale gas could stop the UK from reducing its carbon footprint, a report for the Co-operative group claimed.
Continue reading " Co-op shale gas report questions carbon footprint cost "
November 22, 2011
UK 'complacent' on nuclear future
The UK government's lack of strategy on nuclear research threatens long-term electricity plans, says the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee.
Continue reading " UK 'complacent' on nuclear future "
People's showering habits revealed in survey
A survey, using innovative technology, has offered an insight into people's showering habits.
Continue reading " People's showering habits revealed in survey "
UK 'complacent' on nuclear future
The UK government's lack of strategy on nuclear research threatens long-term electricity plans, says the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee.
Continue reading " UK 'complacent' on nuclear future "
November 16, 2011
Australia's Gillard urges U-turn on India uranium sales
Australia's prime minister has called for the country's ban on selling uranium to India to be overturned.
Continue reading " Australia's Gillard urges U-turn on India uranium sales "
November 11, 2011
Osborne announces £103m 'new money' for renewables
Chancellor George Osborne has announced an extra £103m funding for renewable energy in Scotland.
Continue reading " Osborne announces £103m 'new money' for renewables "
November 4, 2011
Fracking tests near Blackpool 'likely cause' of tremors
It is "highly probable" that shale gas test drilling triggered earth tremors in Lancashire, a study has found.
Continue reading " Fracking tests near Blackpool 'likely cause' of tremors "
November 3, 2011
Warning over Aberdeen's '£376bn offshore potential'
The UK offshore oil and gas industry could still generate more than £376bn in revenues, according to a report by a leading accountants firm.
Continue reading " Warning over Aberdeen's '£376bn offshore potential' "
October 31, 2011
Solar tariff cuts risk jobs, industry warns
The subsidy for solar power is to be cut in half from 12 December of this year, the government has said.
Continue reading " Solar tariff cuts risk jobs, industry warns "
White House orders loan review after Solyndra fallout
Clean energy loans made by the US Department of Energy will receive a independent review.
Continue reading " White House orders loan review after Solyndra fallout "
Npower fined £2m by Ofgem for mishandling complaints
The energy regulator Ofgem has fined Npower £2m for failing to handle complaints properly.
Continue reading " Npower fined £2m by Ofgem for mishandling complaints "
October 28, 2011
SSE drops Waterhead Moor wind farm over 'bird fears'
A major energy firm has withdrawn its planning application to develop a 29-turbine wind farm at Waterhead Moor near Largs, North Ayrshire.
Continue reading " SSE drops Waterhead Moor wind farm over 'bird fears' "
October 27, 2011
Work to start on Dounreay low-level waste store
Work to construct a £100m store to hold low-level radioactive waste from Dounreay is due to start next month.
Continue reading " Work to start on Dounreay low-level waste store "
October 21, 2011
Wave and tidal power get more support
Wave and tidal stream power are set to get more funding in proposed changes to the level of support for renewable energy.
Continue reading " Wave and tidal power get more support "
October 20, 2011
Longannet carbon capture scheme scrapped
Plans for the UK's first carbon capture project at the Longannet power station in Fife have been scrapped, the energy secretary has confirmed.
Continue reading " Longannet carbon capture scheme scrapped "
October 13, 2011
Is shale gas Britain's answer to cheaper gas bills?
Huge swathes of Britain are up for grabs in a new round of gas exploration licences which the government is due to issue soon. Could this be the answer to cheaper energy bills?
Continue reading " Is shale gas Britain's answer to cheaper gas bills? "
Cheapest gas and electricity deals 'ignored'
Energy companies are not always offering the cheapest deals to customers wishing to switch supplier, a consumer group has claimed.
Continue reading " Cheapest gas and electricity deals 'ignored' "
October 12, 2011
New marine power sites leased out by Crown Estate
Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power has secured a lease from the Crown Estate to develop a wave farm off the island of Bernera on the Western Isles.
Continue reading " New marine power sites leased out by Crown Estate "
October 11, 2011
MPs warn of 'schizophrenia' over climate change targets
The government's "schizophrenic attitude" to climate change is undermining investor confidence in low-carbon industries, MPs have warned.
Continue reading " MPs warn of 'schizophrenia' over climate change targets "
October 8, 2011
'Minor' radioactive leak at Dounreay nuclear plant
Radioactive material has leaked at the site of the former Dounreay nuclear power station in Caithness, it has been confirmed.
Continue reading " 'Minor' radioactive leak at Dounreay nuclear plant "
September 30, 2011
Renewable energy production drops in Scotland
The total amount of renewable energy produced from wind and hydro power schemes in Scotland fell last year.
Continue reading " Renewable energy production drops in Scotland "
September 28, 2011
'Smart' window switches to dark mode to save energy
A new type of "smart" window that switches from summer to winter mode has been made by South Korean scientists.
Continue reading " 'Smart' window switches to dark mode to save energy "
September 22, 2011
Shale gas firm finds 'vast' gas resources in Lancashire
An energy firm which has been test drilling for controversial "shale gas" in Lancashire has said it has found vast gas resources underground.
Continue reading " Shale gas firm finds 'vast' gas resources in Lancashire "
September 21, 2011
Harvesting 'limitless' hydrogen from self-powered cells
US researchers say they have demonstrated how cells fuelled by bacteria can be "self-powered" and produce a limitless supply of hydrogen.
Continue reading " Harvesting 'limitless' hydrogen from self-powered cells "
September 20, 2011
Chris Huhne to pledge to "get tough" over energy prices
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will say he is determined to "get tough" with the six biggest energy companies, in his speech to the Lib Dem conference.
Continue reading " Chris Huhne to pledge to "get tough" over energy prices "
September 19, 2011
Anglesey biomass plant given UK government go-ahead
A biomass plant on Anglesey with the potential to power 300,000 homes has been given the go-ahead by the UK government.
Continue reading " Anglesey biomass plant given UK government go-ahead "
China: Villagers protest at Zhejiang solar panel plant
Hundreds of villagers in eastern China have held three days of protests at a solar panel plant over pollution fears.
Continue reading " China: Villagers protest at Zhejiang solar panel plant "
September 18, 2011
Charges 'threaten' Scottish wave and tidal power plans
Scotland is in danger of losing its place at the forefront of research into wave and tidal energy because of high connection charges, it has been warned.
Continue reading " Charges 'threaten' Scottish wave and tidal power plans "
Siemens to quit nuclear industry
German industrial and engineering conglomerate Siemens is to withdraw entirely from the nuclear industry.
Continue reading " Siemens to quit nuclear industry "
September 16, 2011
'Microwave waste' to get biofuel
Microwaving waste food products could be used to produce important chemicals and biofuels, new technology has shown.
Continue reading " 'Microwave waste' to get biofuel "
September 12, 2011
Sheffield solar power sees city top table for renewable energy installation
Steel city has added the most renewable energy production per head since introduction of feed-in tariffs last year
Continue reading " Sheffield solar power sees city top table for renewable energy installation "
September 9, 2011
UK joins laser nuclear fusion project
The UK has formally joined forces with a US laser lab in a bid to develop clean energy from nuclear fusion.
Continue reading " UK joins laser nuclear fusion project "
September 7, 2011
Bacteria 'nano-wires' clean up uranium contamination
Tiny filaments growing from the surface of bacteria could help to improve the efficiency of uranium removal from contaminated waters.
Continue reading " Bacteria 'nano-wires' clean up uranium contamination "
September 1, 2011
Shoppers bulk buy 60-watt incandescent bulbs as EU ban comes into place
First it was the 100-watt, then the 75-watt and now it's the turn of their dimmer relative the 60-watt incandescent light bulb to disappear from British shop shelves forever.
Continue reading " Shoppers bulk buy 60-watt incandescent bulbs as EU ban comes into place "
August 22, 2011
Ofgem steps up energy pricing investigation
The regulator Ofgem has brought in the forensic accountants BDO to see if energy firms understated their retail profits to justify higher prices.
Continue reading " Ofgem steps up energy pricing investigation "
Oil prices fall as rebels enter Libyan capital
Oil prices have fallen on speculation the conflict in Libya may be coming to an end after rebels entered the capital Tripoli.
Continue reading " Oil prices fall as rebels enter Libyan capital "
August 9, 2011
Schools of fish help squeeze more power from wind farms
Schools of fish have shown engineers how to squeeze much more power from wind farms.
Continue reading " Schools of fish help squeeze more power from wind farms "
August 5, 2011
Nigeria Ogoniland oil clean-up 'could take 30 years'
Nigeria's Ogoniland region could take 30 years to recover fully from the damage caused by years of oil spills, a long-awaited UN report says.
Continue reading " Nigeria Ogoniland oil clean-up 'could take 30 years' "
August 3, 2011
Sellafield plant set to cut 600 posts
A nuclear fuel manufacturing plant at the Sellafield complex in Cumbria is to close, putting 600 jobs at risk.
Continue reading " Sellafield plant set to cut 600 posts "
August 1, 2011
Renewable heating systems: Household grants available
Households looking to install renewable heating systems are now eligible for up to £1,250 from the government.
Continue reading " Renewable heating systems: Household grants available "
Yukiya Amano: Japan crisis will not end nuclear age
The UN's top nuclear official says the world's reliance on atomic power will continue to grow, despite the crisis at Japan's Fukushima plant.
Continue reading " Yukiya Amano: Japan crisis will not end nuclear age "
July 20, 2011
Iran to 'speed up' uranium enrichment at nuclear plants
Iran says it is installing newer and faster centrifuges at its nuclear plants, with the goal of speeding up the uranium enrichment process.
Continue reading " Iran to 'speed up' uranium enrichment at nuclear plants "
EU Commission tightens rules for biofuel use
The European Commission has approved seven schemes set up to ensure that biofuels used in the EU are produced in an environmentally sustainable way.
Continue reading " EU Commission tightens rules for biofuel use "
July 19, 2011
India: 'Massive' uranium find in Andhra Pradesh
India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh may have one of the largest reserves of uranium in the world, the country's chief nuclear officer says.
Continue reading " India: 'Massive' uranium find in Andhra Pradesh "
July 11, 2011
Wales' first solar park powers up in Pembrokeshire
The first solar park in Wales is expected to start converting sunlight into electricity later at the Rhosygilwen estate in Pembrokeshire.
Continue reading " Wales' first solar park powers up in Pembrokeshire "
July 7, 2011
Battle welling up over onshore UK oil field
A £500m battle is welling up over a picture postcard piece of English countryside.
Continue reading " Battle welling up over onshore UK oil field "
Green energy investment hits record global high
Global investment in renewable energy sources grew by 32% during 2010 to reach a record level of US$211bn (£132bn), a UN study has reported.
Continue reading " Green energy investment hits record global high "
July 5, 2011
Global warming lull down to China's coal growth
The lull in global warming from 1998 to 2008 was mainly caused by a sharp rise in China's coal use, a study suggests.
Continue reading " Global warming lull down to China's coal growth "
June 30, 2011
Smart meter savings 'uncertain' says audit office
Uncertainty surrounds the extent to which householders will change their behaviour when new smart meters are introduced, a report has concluded.
Continue reading " Smart meter savings 'uncertain' says audit office "
June 23, 2011
New UK nuclear plant sites named
Ministers have announced plans for the next generation of UK nuclear plants.
Continue reading " New UK nuclear plant sites named "
June 22, 2011
UK government wind farm plans 'slap in face' for Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones says having the UK government decide on future wind farm plans is a "slap in the face" for Wales.
Continue reading " UK government wind farm plans 'slap in face' for Wales "
June 14, 2011
Italy nuclear: Berlusconi accepts referendum blow
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has accepted the rejection of his nuclear power plans and other policies in a popular referendum.
Continue reading " Italy nuclear: Berlusconi accepts referendum blow "
June 7, 2011
Scottish Power raises gas and electricity prices
Scottish Power is to raise the cost of gas by 19% and the cost of electricity by 10%.
Continue reading " Scottish Power raises gas and electricity prices "
June 6, 2011
Energy saving Green Deal scheme comes closer
The government has revealed more details of its Green Deal scheme to help people pay for home insulation and other energy saving measures.
Continue reading " Energy saving Green Deal scheme comes closer "
June 1, 2011
Blackpool Shale Gas drilling suspended after quake
Shale gas test drilling in Lancashire has been suspended following an earthquake on the Fylde coast.
Continue reading " Blackpool Shale Gas drilling suspended after quake "
May 31, 2011
Global carbon emissions reach record, says IEA
Energy-related carbon emissions reached a record level last year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Continue reading " Global carbon emissions reach record, says IEA "
May 30, 2011
Germany: Nuclear power plants to close by 2022
Germany's coalition government has announced a reversal of policy that will see all the country's nuclear power plants phased out by 2022.
Continue reading " Germany: Nuclear power plants to close by 2022 "
May 26, 2011
Kings Cliffe: Radioactive waste disposal approved
Plans for low-level radioactive waste disposal to be allowed at a landfill site in Northamptonshire have been given the go-ahead by the government.
Continue reading " Kings Cliffe: Radioactive waste disposal approved "
May 24, 2011
Mid and west Wales power protesters head for Senedd
Up to 1,500 people objecting to controversial power and wind energy plans in mid Wales are expected at a protest in Cardiff Bay.
Continue reading " Mid and west Wales power protesters head for Senedd "
MPs urge backing for UK shale gas
A Commons committee has urged ministers to support plans for controversial shale gas drilling in the UK.
Continue reading " MPs urge backing for UK shale gas "
May 18, 2011
'No hold up' anticipated from UK nuclear review
A safety review of the UK's nuclear industry, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to give a broad all-clear to current reactors and future plans.
Continue reading " 'No hold up' anticipated from UK nuclear review "
May 11, 2011
Canada's Quebec province opens up north for mining
A large area of northern Canada is to be opened up to mining, energy and forestry projects.
Continue reading " Canada's Quebec province opens up north for mining "
Labour turn up heat on Huhne over carbon emissions row
Labour have sought to turn up the heat on energy secretary Chris Huhne amid a row over carbon emission targets.
Continue reading " Labour turn up heat on Huhne over carbon emissions row "
May 10, 2011
Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant begins operation
Iran's first nuclear power station has begun operating at a low level, says the Russian company that built it.
Continue reading " Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant begins operation "
Japan 'to review energy policy' over nuclear crisis
Japan is to reconsider plans to increase its reliance on nuclear power in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima plant.
Continue reading " Japan 'to review energy policy' over nuclear crisis "
May 9, 2011
Nuclear 'cheapest low-carbon option' for UK energy
Nuclear power will remain the cheapest way for the UK to grow its low-carbon energy supply for at least a decade, according to government advisers.
Continue reading " Nuclear 'cheapest low-carbon option' for UK energy "
April 20, 2011
Oil industry to meet Chancellor George Osborne on tax
The body representing the UK oil and gas industry has met Chancellor George Osborne to discuss the Budget decision to raise North Sea taxes.
Continue reading " Oil industry to meet Chancellor George Osborne on tax "
April 14, 2011
Biofuels targets are 'unethical', says Nuffield report
EU biofuels targets are unethical, according to a report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
Continue reading " Biofuels targets are 'unethical', says Nuffield report "
April 13, 2011
Shale gas 'worse than coal' for climate
The new kid on the energy block, shale gas, may be worse in climate change terms than coal, a study concludes.
Continue reading " Shale gas 'worse than coal' for climate "
April 10, 2011
Facebook shares green data centre technology
Facebook has announced that it will share the design secrets behind its new energy-efficient data centre with rival companies.
Continue reading " Facebook shares green data centre technology "
April 7, 2011
Wind farm efficiency queried by John Muir Trust study
Wind farms are much less efficient than claimed, producing below 10% of capacity for more than a third of the time, according to a new report.
Continue reading " Wind farm efficiency queried by John Muir Trust study "
March 30, 2011
China tops global clean energy table
China remains the world's leading investor in low-carbon energy technology, a global study has shown.
Continue reading " China tops global clean energy table "
March 25, 2011
'Small modular reactors' hold sway in US nuclear future
Something small is brewing for nuclear power in the US, it seems.
Continue reading " 'Small modular reactors' hold sway in US nuclear future "
March 23, 2011
Budget paints in green and brown
A minimum price for carbon and more cash for the Green Investment Bank (GIB) are among the Budget's tools to encourage a UK green energy expansion.
Continue reading " Budget paints in green and brown "
March 22, 2011
UK nuclear support partially survives Japan crisis
More Britons support the building of new nuclear power stations than oppose it, despite the crisis at Japan's Fukushima plant, an opinion poll says.
Continue reading " UK nuclear support partially survives Japan crisis "
UK nuclear plants must go ahead, says EDF
The nuclear crisis unfolding in Japan will not affect the plans of French power giant EDF to build new reactors in the UK, the company's boss has told the BBC.
Continue reading " UK nuclear plants must go ahead, says EDF "
UK nuclear support partially survives Japan crisis
More Britons support the building of new nuclear power stations than oppose it, despite the crisis at Japan's Fukushima plant, an opinion poll says.
Continue reading " UK nuclear support partially survives Japan crisis "
March 21, 2011
Ofgem announces 'radical' review of energy prices
Regulator Ofgem has told energy firms they must offer simpler tariffs to help consumers compare prices.
Continue reading " Ofgem announces 'radical' review of energy prices "
Japan crisis: UK nuclear review to report in two months
A review of the safety of UK nuclear plants will publish its initial findings in May, officials say.
Continue reading " Japan crisis: UK nuclear review to report in two months "
EU nuclear 'stress-test' gets ministers' backing
Ministers have agreed to develop a "stress test" for EU nuclear power plants in order to prevent events in Japan being repeated in Europe.
Continue reading " EU nuclear 'stress-test' gets ministers' backing "
March 18, 2011
Islay to get major tidal power scheme
A major tidal energy project is to be built in the Sound of Islay off the west coast of Scotland.
Continue reading " Islay to get major tidal power scheme "
UK solar panel subsidies slashed
The UK government has proposed cuts of up to 70% to the feed in tariff for large scale solar energy production.
Continue reading " UK solar panel subsidies slashed "
March 10, 2011
Renewable heating scheme unveiled
Subsidies for renewable heating systems in England, Scotland and Wales have been announced by the UK government.
Continue reading " Renewable heating scheme unveiled "
February 23, 2011
Newcastle borehole drilling starts in search of heat
Engineers have started drilling a hole deep below Newcastle in the search for a renewable energy source.
Continue reading " Newcastle borehole drilling starts in search of heat "
Chris Huhne reopens Cornwall's Delabole wind farm
The UK's first commercial wind farm, at Delabole in Cornwall, has reopened following a multimillion-pound redevelopment.
Continue reading " Chris Huhne reopens Cornwall's Delabole wind farm "
February 22, 2011
Rolls-Royce to show electric car at Geneva motor show
Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce is to unveil an electric version of its Phantom flagship model at next month's Geneva motor show.
Continue reading " Rolls-Royce to show electric car at Geneva motor show "
February 15, 2011
Carbon Trust funding cut by 40%
Cuts to the government's low-carbon agency will cancel grants to biofuel projects and cause dozens of redundancies.
Continue reading " Carbon Trust funding cut by 40% "
Scottish firms apply for CCS funding
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Ayrshire Power have both applied for funding under a European scheme to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
Continue reading " Scottish firms apply for CCS funding "
February 14, 2011
People power 'overlooked by energy policies'
The way that people use and live in their homes has been largely ignored by existing efforts to improve energy efficiency, a study has suggested.
Continue reading " People power 'overlooked by energy policies' "
January 28, 2011
'Energy House' to reveal scale of UK retrofit challenge
A unique study, involving a full-scale terraced house built inside a chamber, hopes to find ways the UK housing sector can cut its energy use.
Continue reading " 'Energy House' to reveal scale of UK retrofit challenge "
January 25, 2011
Energy from cremated cadavers could heat swimming poolPlans to use the power generated by cremating the dead to heat a swimming pool have been put forward for the first time.
Plans to use the power generated by cremating the dead to heat a swimming pool have been put forward for the first time.
Huhne backs nuclear sites following energy consultation
A wave of new nuclear power stations moved a step closer today with the ending of a Government consultation into the UK's energy future.
Continue reading " Huhne backs nuclear sites following energy consultation "
January 20, 2011
Greg Barker opens Europe's largest ground source heat pump
Climate change minister Greg Barker flipped the switch to activate Europe's largest ground source heat pump at a multi-million pound London shopping centre.
Continue reading " Greg Barker opens Europe's largest ground source heat pump "
Strong progress on Irish renewables
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) says significant progress has been made in renewable energy deployment in Ireland.
Continue reading " Strong progress on Irish renewables "
Germany ahead of UK in green growth
Research by the Carbon Trust shows that Britain's business leaders believe that the UK is falling behind Germany in taking up the green business opportunities.
Continue reading " Germany ahead of UK in green growth "
January 19, 2011
India plans Asian tidal power first
The Indian state of Gujarat is planning to host Asia's first commercial-scale tidal power station.
Continue reading " India plans Asian tidal power first "
January 17, 2011
Shale gas moratorium in UK urged by Tyndall Centre
The UK government should put a moratorium on shale gas operations until the environmental implications are fully understood, a report says.
Continue reading " Shale gas moratorium in UK urged by Tyndall Centre "
January 11, 2011
Harvesting energy: body heat to warm buildings
Body heat is not an energy source that normally springs to mind when companies want to keep down soaring energy costs.
Continue reading " Harvesting energy: body heat to warm buildings "
December 17, 2010
Nuclear fusion finance plan rejected by EU Parliament
A plan to rescue European financing of the Iter nuclear fusion reactor project has been rejected at the final hurdle.
Continue reading " Nuclear fusion finance plan rejected by EU Parliament "
California approves first US carbon-trading scheme
California has become the first US state to approve a carbon-trading plan aimed at cutting greenhouse emissions.
Continue reading " California approves first US carbon-trading scheme "
December 16, 2010
Closing the world's first commercial nuclear power station
The Magnox reactor buildings at the world's first commercial nuclear power station stand square, almost defiantly, against the brisk breeze from the River Severn.
Continue reading " Closing the world's first commercial nuclear power station "
Electricity price guarantee to be introduced
The government is to guarantee prices for electricity to persuade the private sector to invest in new low-carbon forms of generation.
Continue reading " Electricity price guarantee to be introduced "
December 9, 2010
No place for cowboys in Green Deal
Tough rules to protect consumers when they insulate their properties are to be brought in as part of legislation to implement the Green Deal, Chris Huhne announced today.
Continue reading " No place for cowboys in Green Deal "
December 7, 2010
UK power sector 'needs overhaul'
The UK needs to revolutionise the power industry to meet its climate change laws, according to a report by the government's climate advisers.
Continue reading " UK power sector 'needs overhaul' "
Energy bills are likely to rise, say energy bosses
Bosses of the UK's leading energy companies have told a committee of MPs that bills are likely to rise in years to come.
Continue reading " Energy bills are likely to rise, say energy bosses "
December 1, 2010
New energy sources vital to tackle climate change
The president of the UK Royal Society, Lord Rees, has said that it is "essential" for governments to prepare for the worst effects of climate change.
Continue reading " New energy sources vital to tackle climate change "
November 17, 2010
Gas and electricity prices: How are they calculated?
Energy prices are going up. Both British Gas and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) are putting up their gas and electricity tariffs in December, and other major energy providers may follow suit soon.
Continue reading " Gas and electricity prices: How are they calculated? "
November 12, 2010
British Gas to raise gas and electricity bills by 7%
British Gas customers will face a 7% rise in gas and electricity bills this winter, the company has announced.
Continue reading " British Gas to raise gas and electricity bills by 7% "
November 11, 2010
UK's first Passivhaus eco estate in Coventry nears completion
The UK's largest development of Passivhaus eco-homes is getting close to completion in Bell Green, Coventry.
Continue reading " UK's first Passivhaus eco estate in Coventry nears completion "
Glastonbury Festival site becomes a solar power station
Worthy Farm in Somerset is best known for being the home of the world famous Glastonbury Festival.
Continue reading " Glastonbury Festival site becomes a solar power station "
November 10, 2010
Call to stop fossil fuel subsidy
A global energy think tank has urged nations to stop subsidising fossil fuels as soon as possible.
Continue reading " Call to stop fossil fuel subsidy "
October 29, 2010
West Cumbria nuclear waste storage sites ruled out
West Cumbria is still in the running as a location for deep geologic storage of nuclear waste, according to a report.
Continue reading " West Cumbria nuclear waste storage sites ruled out "
October 28, 2010
Licences for oil and gas cut back to protect wildlife
Licensing of oil and gas exploration in UK waters has been cut back by the UK government in its bid to ensure protection of marine wildlife.
Continue reading " Licences for oil and gas cut back to protect wildlife "
October 26, 2010
Iran loads fuel into the Bushehr nuclear reactor
Iran has begun loading fuel into the core of its first nuclear power plant, state television has reported.
Continue reading " Iran loads fuel into the Bushehr nuclear reactor "
October 21, 2010
Spending Review: Large firms 'face green stealth tax'
The government has been accused of hitting firms with a "green stealth tax" after it changed the terms of a scheme aimed at cutting energy use.
Continue reading " Spending Review: Large firms 'face green stealth tax' "
October 18, 2010
Peter Hain says Severn barrage plan axe 'a disaster'
Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says scrapping the Severn barrage plan would be "equally disastrous" for the economy and the environment.
Continue reading " Peter Hain says Severn barrage plan axe 'a disaster' "
Huhne scraps Severn barrage tidal energy scheme
Controversial £30bn plans for a Severn estuary barrage tidal energy project have been scrapped.
Continue reading " Huhne scraps Severn barrage tidal energy scheme "
Nuclear power: Eight sites identified for future plants
The government has identified eight sites in England and Wales as suitable for future nuclear power stations while ruling out a further three
Continue reading " Nuclear power: Eight sites identified for future plants "
October 15, 2010
Wind turbines wrong colour for wildlife
A study has revealed that a wind turbine's colour affects how many insects it attracts, shedding more light on why the turbines occasionally kill bats and birds.
Continue reading " Wind turbines wrong colour for wildlife "
October 5, 2010
Oxfordshire town sees human waste used to heat homes
Householders in Didcot have become the first in the UK to use gas made from their own human waste and supplied via the national grid to heat their homes.
Continue reading " Oxfordshire town sees human waste used to heat homes "
September 30, 2010
German government approves new energy plan
Germany's government has given final approval to a plan to extend the life of nuclear reactors, reversing a decision of the previous government.
Continue reading " German government approves new energy plan "
Environmental concern over Sri Lanka nuclear plans
Environmentalists in Sri Lanka have expressed concern over government plans to build a nuclear power plant by 2025.
Continue reading " Environmental concern over Sri Lanka nuclear plans "
South Africa plans a solar power park
South Africa plans to invest in a solar power energy park in order to help meet increasing electricity demands, the department of energy has announced.
Continue reading " South Africa plans a solar power park "
September 28, 2010
NI targets 40% alternative energy by 2020
NI's new energy strategy sets a target of 40% of electricity to come from alternative energy sources by 2020.
Continue reading " NI targets 40% alternative energy by 2020 "
UK 'needs domestic wind energy industry'
The UK government should build a home-grown wind power industry if it wants to meet EU targets on renewable energy, a report concludes.
Continue reading " UK 'needs domestic wind energy industry' "
September 24, 2010
Largest offshore wind farm opens off Thanet in Kent
The world's biggest offshore wind farm off Kent has been officially opened.
Continue reading " Largest offshore wind farm opens off Thanet in Kent "
Giant new turbines arrive on Cornwall site
Parts for four giant wind turbines have started to arrive in Cornwall ready for installation.
Continue reading " Giant new turbines arrive on Cornwall site "
New target for Scottish renewable energy
The Scottish government has raised its target for sourcing electricity from renewable energy by 30 percentage points.
Continue reading " New target for Scottish renewable energy "
September 15, 2010
Thousands of green jobs could drive growth, says Huhne
"Green jobs" could ease the impact of spending cuts and drive the recovery, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has said.
Continue reading " Thousands of green jobs could drive growth, says Huhne "
September 13, 2010
Smart meters 'may not cut energy use'
Installing smart meters may not result in households saving energy, a study has suggested.
Continue reading " Smart meters 'may not cut energy use' "
September 10, 2010
Huge growth at largest wind farm
A massive expansion is to take place at Europe's largest onshore wind farm, which is situated in East Renfrewshire.
Continue reading " Huge growth at largest wind farm "
September 8, 2010
Heat pumps 'need tighter regulations'
Domestic heat pumps need to be subject to tighter regulations in order for them to deliver widespread energy savings, a report has concluded.
Continue reading " Heat pumps 'need tighter regulations' "
September 6, 2010
Tiny solar cells fix themselves
Researchers have demonstrated tiny solar cells just billionths of a metre across that can repair themselves, extending their useful lifetime.
Continue reading " Tiny solar cells fix themselves "
September 2, 2010
Four energy companies face mis-selling probe
Four of the "big six" UK energy suppliers are to be investigated amid concerns of mis-selling to customers, the regulator has announced.
Continue reading " Four energy companies face mis-selling probe "
Swarms of marine turbines could 'tap the Gulf Stream'
Darris White is a deep thinker. The engineer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the US is currently finalising designs for a series of turbines that could be used to harness the immense energy of the Gulf Stream, flowing deep in the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue reading " Swarms of marine turbines could 'tap the Gulf Stream' "
September 1, 2010
UK biofuels 'falling short' on environmental standards
The Renewable Fuels Agency says it is disappointed that the vast majority of biofuels sold on UK forecourts do not conform to environmental standards.
Continue reading " UK biofuels 'falling short' on environmental standards "
August 31, 2010
Brazil government gives go-ahead for huge Amazon dam
Brazil's government has given the formal go-ahead for the building on a tributary of the Amazon of the world's third biggest hydroelectric dam.
Continue reading " Brazil government gives go-ahead for huge Amazon dam "
August 27, 2010
Scheme to 'pull electricity from the air' sparks debate
Tiny charges gathered directly from humid air could be harnessed to generate electricity, researchers say.
Continue reading " Scheme to 'pull electricity from the air' sparks debate "
'Biofuel cells' could power gadgets with energy drinks
Battery-like "biofuel cells" could in the future run on an energy drink or even vegetable oil, says a researcher.
Continue reading " 'Biofuel cells' could power gadgets with energy drinks "
August 23, 2010
Cutting waste to landfill will mean incinerators and slop buckets
Households that agree to have incinerators built in their backyard could be given discounts on their fuel bills under plans to tackle ‘Nimbyism’ and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Continue reading " Cutting waste to landfill will mean incinerators and slop buckets "
August 20, 2010
Urine could be used as renewable energy source
A research team at Heriot-Watt University is investigating whether urine could be used as a source of renewable energy.
Continue reading " Urine could be used as renewable energy source "
August 16, 2010
Cornwall Wave Hub cable laying halted
A multi-million pound project to create a testing platform for wave energy devices in Cornwall has ground to a halt.
Continue reading " Cornwall Wave Hub cable laying halted "
August 15, 2010
More opencast mine bids 'likely on greenfield sites'
Applications for opencast mining on greenfield sites are likely to increase to meet the UK's demand for energy, the British Geological Survey has said.
Continue reading " More opencast mine bids 'likely on greenfield sites' "
August 13, 2010
Energy efficiency ratings to be compulsory for home sales
EU legislation means that from 2012 all homes for sale will require an energy efficiency rating to be carried out upfront.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency ratings to be compulsory for home sales "
August 11, 2010
Spain's electric car sales off target
Spain's plans to have 2,000 electric cars on the road by the end of 2010 have been dealt a blow as figures showed just 16 have been sold.
Continue reading " Spain's electric car sales off target "
August 9, 2010
Chris Huhne says new nuclear plants on track for 2018
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has insisted the government is fully behind the opening of a new nuclear power station in eight years' time.
Continue reading " Chris Huhne says new nuclear plants on track for 2018 "
July 29, 2010
DECC low carbon programmes spending cuts detailed
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has released further information on £34m of spending cuts to their Low Carbon Technology programmes.
Continue reading " DECC low carbon programmes spending cuts detailed "
Deal finalised on fusion reactor
The European Union and six member states have reached a deal on the financing and timetable for an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.
Continue reading " Deal finalised on fusion reactor "
July 28, 2010
British Gas sees profits rise 98% in first half of year
British Gas made operating profits of £585m for the first half of 2010, a rise of 98%, according to its parent company Centrica.
Continue reading " British Gas sees profits rise 98% in first half of year "
July 27, 2010
"Quantum leap" needed for UK to meet 2020 energy targets
A "quantum leap" in offshore wind investment is needed if the UK is to meet its 2020 renewable energy targets, according to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Continue reading " "Quantum leap" needed for UK to meet 2020 energy targets "
July 26, 2010
EU calls time on loss-making coal mines
Loss-making coal mines across the EU will have to close over the next four years, the European Commission says.
Continue reading " EU calls time on loss-making coal mines "
'Eternal plane' returns to Earth
The UK-built Zephyr unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has confirmed its place in aviation history as the first "eternal plane".
Continue reading " 'Eternal plane' returns to Earth "
July 24, 2010
Iran launches nuclear fusion bid
Iran has launched a programme aimed at developing a nuclear fusion reactor - an ambition long-cherished by Western nations.
Continue reading " Iran launches nuclear fusion bid "
July 21, 2010
China 'leapfrogs US to become biggest energy user'
China has overtaken the United States to become the world's top energy consumer for the first time, a new report says.
Continue reading " China 'leapfrogs US to become biggest energy user' "
July 19, 2010
Renewables see 'resilient growth' in 2009
The building of new renewable energy sources continued to outstrip new fossil fuel power plants in Europe and the US during 2009, a report has shown.
Continue reading " Renewables see 'resilient growth' in 2009 "
July 16, 2010
Zephyr solar plane flies 7 days non-stop
The UK-built Zephyr solar-powered plane has smashed the endurance record for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Continue reading " Zephyr solar plane flies 7 days non-stop "
July 15, 2010
Armed Forces and turbines can co-exist
The MoD has said the military and wind farms could "co-exist" following news of a Norwegian firm's search for an offshore test site.
Continue reading " Armed Forces and turbines can co-exist "
Zephyr solar plane set for record endurance flight
A UK unmanned solar-powered plane will attempt to set a remarkable new endurance record in the coming days.
Continue reading " Zephyr solar plane set for record endurance flight "
July 14, 2010
EU member states agree on Iter funding shortfall
Additional funds needed to construct the Iter fusion reactor will have to come from within the EU's budget, member states have said.
Continue reading " EU member states agree on Iter funding shortfall "
July 9, 2010
Solar-powered plane lands safely after 26-hour flight
An experimental solar-powered aircraft launched on Wednesday has landed safely in Switzerland after successfully flying through the night.
Continue reading " Solar-powered plane lands safely after 26-hour flight "
July 7, 2010
Budget cuts caution on UK nuclear waste plan
The UK's deep store for nuclear waste should open for business around 2040 - but spending cuts could delay the plans, and community support is vital.
Continue reading " Budget cuts caution on UK nuclear waste plan "
July 5, 2010
New plans for wind farm near Bishops Itchington
Fresh plans have been drawn up for a controversial wind farm on Warwickshire farmland.
Continue reading " New plans for wind farm near Bishops Itchington "
Solar lamp wins award for helping developing countries
The developers of a solar lamp that aims to replace kerosene-burning lights in developing countries have won a prestigious environmental award.
Continue reading " Solar lamp wins award for helping developing countries "
US to provide nearly $2bn for two solar energy projects
Nearly $2bn (£1.3bn) in loan guarantees will be given to two companies to kick-start the US solar energy industry, President Barack Obama has announced.
Continue reading " US to provide nearly $2bn for two solar energy projects "
July 1, 2010
Bid to speed up Trawsfynydd's nuclear decommissioning
Decommissioning work at a nuclear power station could be speeded up if plans are given the go-ahead by the new coalition government in Westminster.
Continue reading " Bid to speed up Trawsfynydd's nuclear decommissioning "
June 21, 2010
Nuclear powers set for Pakistan showdown
A row is looming between Beijing and Washington over China's proposed sale of two nuclear power-generating reactors to Pakistan.
Continue reading " Nuclear powers set for Pakistan showdown "
June 17, 2010
Sheffield Forgemasters' £80m nuclear parts loan axed
A factory's expansion plans - which would have created 180 jobs - have been halted after the government cancelled an £80m loan.
Continue reading " Sheffield Forgemasters' £80m nuclear parts loan axed "
June 16, 2010
Solar plane set for night flight
A solar-powered plane is getting ready to hit the skies once again - this time, at night.
Continue reading " Solar plane set for night flight "
June 15, 2010
Barack Obama calls for clean-energy push
US President Barack Obama has called on his party and supporters to back a "new future" of clean energy.
Continue reading " Barack Obama calls for clean-energy push "
June 10, 2010
Sir David King: oil extraction a threat to the future
Former UK chief scientific adviser has said that as global oil demand starts to outstrip supply, oil companies will be forced to drill in unconventional places.
Continue reading " Sir David King: oil extraction a threat to the future "
June 4, 2010
£2bn offshore windfarm to go ahead off north Wales
Construction work will begin next year on one of the largest offshore windfarms in the world, an energy firm has announced.
Continue reading " £2bn offshore windfarm to go ahead off north Wales "
London Olympic Games site wind turbine scrapped
Plans to build a wind turbine in east London's Olympic Park site have been scrapped.
Continue reading " London Olympic Games site wind turbine scrapped "
Wind turbines take to the skies
For JoeBen Bevirt, the future of energy production is up in the clouds.
Continue reading " Wind turbines take to the skies "
June 3, 2010
Hunterston coal power plan submitted to ministers
A full planning application for a £3bn coal-fired power station at Hunterston in Ayrshire has been submitted to the Scottish government.
Continue reading " Hunterston coal power plan submitted to ministers "
May 25, 2010
Tony Blair to advise Khosla Ventures on green energy
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is joining US venture capital firm Khosla Ventures as an adviser.
Continue reading " Tony Blair to advise Khosla Ventures on green energy "
May 20, 2010
Home Information Packs scrapped
The coalition government has suspended the use of Home Information Packs (HIPs) by home sellers.
Continue reading " Home Information Packs scrapped "
Why China holds 'rare' cards in the race to go green
From electric cars to wind turbines, environmentally-friendly technology around the world needs rare earth metals. But China - where over 90% of these minerals are mined - is saying it now wants to keep more for its own industry.
Continue reading " Why China holds 'rare' cards in the race to go green "
May 6, 2010
Gulf oil spill: First leak capped, says BP
BP has managed to seal the smallest of the three leaks spilling oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the company says.
Continue reading " Gulf oil spill: First leak capped, says BP "
April 30, 2010
US government approves first offshore wind farm
US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has approved controversial plans for the country's first offshore wind farm to operate off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Continue reading " US government approves first offshore wind farm "
April 15, 2010
BP Canada oil plan faces shareholder vote
Oil giant BP is facing a rebellion from major shareholders over financial and environmental concerns connected to its project in Canada's oil sand reserves.
Continue reading " BP Canada oil plan faces shareholder vote "
April 13, 2010
Geese tracked to estimate wind farms' impact
Barnacle geese have been tagged with satellite trackers amid concern planned offshore wind farms could affect their migration from Britain to the Arctic.
Continue reading " Geese tracked to estimate wind farms' impact "
April 8, 2010
Solar plane prototype in first test flight
A prototype solar-powered plane has made its first full test flight - coming closer to the goal of using solar energy to fly around the world.
Continue reading " Solar plane prototype in first test flight "
April 7, 2010
Barack Obama eases offshore oil drilling ban
Oil firms could be given the chance to explore for reserves off the US coast for the first time in decades, under plans outlined by President Obama.
Continue reading " Barack Obama eases offshore oil drilling ban "
Ethiopia launches electric car despite power shortages
Ethiopia has launched an electric car, despite suffering from power shortages. It is only the second African country to do so, after South Africa.
Continue reading " Ethiopia launches electric car despite power shortages "
April 6, 2010
London’s hydrogen network plans unveiled
London is set to create a "Hydrogen network" by 2012 to help accelerate the wider use of this non-polluting, zero-carbon energy source in the capital.
Continue reading " London’s hydrogen network plans unveiled "
FSB calls for better information for firms to go green
The Government needs to provide better information to small businesses to help them go green, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said this week.
Continue reading " FSB calls for better information for firms to go green "
April 2, 2010
Rein in energy output
The Environment Agency (EA) wants businesses to put a tighter rein on their energy output to help the Government hit its targets on emissions reduction.
Continue reading " Rein in energy output "
April 1, 2010
Carbon emission reduction scheme comes into effect
A new scheme to cut carbon emissions from big businesses and other organisations has come into effect.
Continue reading " Carbon emission reduction scheme comes into effect "
Petrol prices close to record as fuel duty rises
The price of petrol and diesel has edged closer to a record high at the pumps following a one-pence rise in fuel duty which came in at midnight.
Continue reading " Petrol prices close to record as fuel duty rises "
March 30, 2010
Wylfa in Anglesey 'could house next UK nuclear plant'
The UK's next nuclear power plant could be constructed on the island of Anglesey by 2020.
Continue reading " Wylfa in Anglesey 'could house next UK nuclear plant' "
March 26, 2010
China steams ahead on clean energy
China overtook the US during 2009 to become the leading investor in renewable energy technologies, according to a new analysis.
Continue reading " China steams ahead on clean energy "
March 22, 2010
Builders’ get a new green rulebook
Changes to the country’s building regulations to make homes, shops and offices warmer and cheaper to run and to take Britain a step closer to meeting its low-carbon commitments were announced last week.
Continue reading " Builders’ get a new green rulebook "
Clean coal competition
E.ON and ScottishPower have received funding for design and development studies as part of the competition to build one of the world's first commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plants.
Continue reading " Clean coal competition "
March 19, 2010
Energy efficiency pledge for Welsh homes
Homes in Wales are to benefit from up to £34 million in funding from Europe, allocated to them to boost energy efficiency.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency pledge for Welsh homes "
Kilgallioch Forest 132-turbine wind farm plan submitted
An application for a 132-wind turbine project in southern Scotland has been submitted to the Scottish government.
Continue reading " Kilgallioch Forest 132-turbine wind farm plan submitted "
March 17, 2010
'Milestone' for wave energy plans
Ten sites on the seabed off the north coast of Scotland have been leased out to power companies in an effort to generate wave and tidal energy.
Continue reading " 'Milestone' for wave energy plans "
March 16, 2010
Petrol prices set for record high, says AA
Petrol prices could hit a record high of £1.20 a litre in the next few weeks, according to the AA.
Continue reading " Petrol prices set for record high, says AA "
March 15, 2010
Coal power station plan under way
The first stage of a planning process to build a coal-fired power station in Ayrshire is to get under way on Monday.
Continue reading " Coal power station plan under way "
March 14, 2010
Future of energy brings opportunities as well as challenges - Tesco
Fluctuating prices, questions over security of supply and concerns about emissions make the life of an energy buyer fraught with difficulties, but it is important not to get sucked down into the mire.
Continue reading " Future of energy brings opportunities as well as challenges - Tesco "
February 26, 2010
Whaling worsens carbon release, scientists warn
A century of whaling may have released more than 100 million tonnes - or a large forest's worth - of carbon into the atmosphere, scientists say.
Continue reading " Whaling worsens carbon release, scientists warn "
February 25, 2010
Biofuel power plant plan refused
An application to build a biofuel power station at Avonmouth, capable of powering 25,000 homes, has been refused by city councillors.
Continue reading " Biofuel power plant plan refused "
February 17, 2010
US to build two new nuclear power stations
President Barack Obama has announced more than $8bn (£5bn) of federal loan guarantees to begin building the first US nuclear power stations for 30 years.
Continue reading " US to build two new nuclear power stations "
February 15, 2010
BA agrees deal for UK jet biofuel plant
British Airways has struck a deal to build the first plant in Europe to produce jet fuel from waste matter.
Continue reading " BA agrees deal for UK jet biofuel plant "
February 10, 2010
Baltic Nord Stream gas pipeline safe, Putin says
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has defended his country's Nord Stream gas pipeline against accusations that it will damage the fragile Baltic Sea.
Continue reading " Baltic Nord Stream gas pipeline safe, Putin says "
February 4, 2010
British Gas cuts gas prices by 7%
British Gas has announced it is cutting standard household gas prices by an average of 7%, with immediate effect.
Continue reading " British Gas cuts gas prices by 7% "
February 3, 2010
Fears over future power shortages
Mainland Britain could face power shortages in the years ahead, according to the energy regulator, Ofgem.
Continue reading " Fears over future power shortages "
Brazil grants environmental licence for Belo Monte dam
Brazil's government has granted an environmental licence for the construction of a controversial hydro-electric dam in the Amazon rainforest.
Continue reading " Brazil grants environmental licence for Belo Monte dam "
January 29, 2010
Laser fusion test results raise energy hopes
A major hurdle to producing fusion energy using lasers has been swept aside, results in a new report show.
Continue reading " Laser fusion test results raise energy hopes "
January 28, 2010
First report into biofuel sustainability
Not enough big firms are sourcing their biofuels sustainably, according to the first report into the industry's green credentials.
Continue reading " First report into biofuel sustainability "
January 22, 2010
Carbon nanotubes used to make batteries from fabrics
Ordinary cotton and polyester fabrics have been turned into batteries that retain their flexibility.
Continue reading " Carbon nanotubes used to make batteries from fabrics "
January 14, 2010
Hydro scheme awarded major prize
A UK scheme to generate power from mountain streams is one of three winners of a £1m prize for saving carbon emissions at the local level.
Continue reading " Hydro scheme awarded major prize "
January 13, 2010
Solar cells made through oil-and-water 'self-assembly'
Researchers have demonstrated a simple, cheap way to create self-assembling electronic devices using a property crucial to salad dressings.
Continue reading " Solar cells made through oil-and-water 'self-assembly' "
January 8, 2010
Gas usage hits new high in UK cold snap
Demand for gas in the UK hit a new record on Thursday as people continue to attempt to keep their homes warm through the severely cold weather.
Continue reading " Gas usage hits new high in UK cold snap "
Green Party calls energy firms 'irresponsible'
Energy providers have been criticised by the Green Party for failing in their responsibilities to consumers.
Continue reading " Green Party calls energy firms 'irresponsible' "
New wind farm zones are announced
Successful bids for nine new offshore wind farm zone licences within UK waters have been announced.
Continue reading " New wind farm zones are announced "
Wind farms: Generating power and jobs?
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is launching a £100bn programme to build thousands of offshore wind farms.
Continue reading " Wind farms: Generating power and jobs? "
January 7, 2010
Gas usage set to hit new record
Demand for gas in the UK is set to hit a new record on Thursday as people attempt to keep their homes warm through the severely cold weather.
Continue reading " Gas usage set to hit new record "
January 6, 2010
The power, glory and controversy
First Minister Alex Salmond believes Scotland has hit the energy jackpot for the second time.
Continue reading " The power, glory and controversy "
January 5, 2010
Boiler scrappage scheme launched
A government scheme that gives households in England £400 off the cost of a new boiler has been launched.
Continue reading " Boiler scrappage scheme launched "
December 15, 2009
Petrol prices push up inflation
UK inflation picked up pace in November, driven largely by higher petrol prices, official figures show.
Continue reading " Petrol prices push up inflation "
December 1, 2009
Solar panel costs 'set to fall'
The cost of installing and owning solar panels will fall even faster than expected according to new research.
Continue reading " Solar panel costs 'set to fall' "
November 30, 2009
India nuclear plant leak under investigation
Indian officials are investigating the leak of a radioactive substance into drinking water at an atomic power plant in the south of the country.
Continue reading " India nuclear plant leak under investigation "
November 26, 2009
Wind turbine noise rules are outdated, say campaigners
The government urgently needs to update its guidance on how local authorities should assess the impact of noise from wind turbines, campaigners have said.
Continue reading " Wind turbine noise rules are outdated, say campaigners "
UK plutonium cuts strategy 'in disarray' - scientists
The UK's plan to cut its stockpile of separated plutonium is in "disarray", a group of scientists has warned.
Continue reading " UK plutonium cuts strategy 'in disarray' - scientists "
November 24, 2009
British Gas offers accurate bills instead of estimates
British Gas is giving customers the option of paying accurate energy bills each month, instead of relying largely on estimated meter readings.
Continue reading " British Gas offers accurate bills instead of estimates "
November 19, 2009
Energy-saving bulbs 'get dimmer'
Energy-efficient light bulbs lose on average 22% of their brightness over their lifetime, a study has found.
Continue reading " Energy-saving bulbs 'get dimmer' "
Power-guzzling TVs to be banned
Energy-hungry television sets will soon be banned across California in a landmark move by state legislators to reduce energy consumption.
Continue reading " Power-guzzling TVs to be banned "
November 12, 2009
UK renewable targets likely to be hampered by supply chain issues
Unresolved supply issues may block the UK government's plan to have 15 percent of renewable energy come from biomass, it was claimed today.
Continue reading " UK renewable targets likely to be hampered by supply chain issues "
November 10, 2009
Nuclear energy 'not the solution'
The government should focus on all forms of technology, not just nuclear, in order to meet its low carbon targets, according to the Renewable Energy Centre.
Continue reading " Nuclear energy 'not the solution' "
Go-ahead for 10 nuclear stations
The government has approved 10 sites in England and Wales for new nuclear power stations, most of them in locations where there are already plants.
Continue reading " Go-ahead for 10 nuclear stations "
All change as gas reserves soar
With coal being too dirty and wind farms and nuclear power plants arriving late, it seems the world is left with a stark choice: keep on polluting or turn out the lights.
Continue reading " All change as gas reserves soar "
November 9, 2009
Scottish government announce heat plans
Biomass will play a major part in Scotland achieving their 2020 target of 11 percent of heat coming from renewable sources, according to a new publication.
Continue reading " Scottish government announce heat plans "
Nuclear fast-track plan awaited
Plans for fast-tracking a new generation of nuclear power stations are to be announced by the government.
Continue reading " Nuclear fast-track plan awaited "
November 5, 2009
Light down a wire for solar power
Solar power could be produced cheaply in specially designed optical fibres, say researchers.
Continue reading " Light down a wire for solar power "
November 3, 2009
Australia oil well catches fire
An oil well at the centre of a massive spill in the Timor Sea off the north-west coast of Australia is on fire.
Continue reading " Australia oil well catches fire "
October 23, 2009
'Stealth' wind turbine deployed
A wind turbine blade that absorbs radar signals has been demonstrated at a wind farm in eastern England.
Continue reading " 'Stealth' wind turbine deployed "
October 15, 2009
Australia 'open' to atomic energy
There has been a significant shift in support for nuclear power in Australia, according to a poll.
Continue reading " Australia 'open' to atomic energy "
October 9, 2009
Fear of 'huge' energy bill rises
Domestic UK energy bills could rise by 60% by 2016 in a worst-case scenario identified by the energy regulator.
Continue reading " Fear of 'huge' energy bill rises "
New Kingsnorth coal plant delayed
Controversial plans to build a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent have been put on hold for up to three years, energy firm E.On has said.
Continue reading " New Kingsnorth coal plant delayed "
Tiny 'nuclear batteries' unveiled
Researchers have demonstrated a penny-sized "nuclear battery" that produces energy from the decay of radioisotopes.
Continue reading " Tiny 'nuclear batteries' unveiled "
October 8, 2009
New Kingsnorth coal plant delayed
Controversial plans to build a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent have been put on hold for up to three years, energy firm E.On has said.
Continue reading " New Kingsnorth coal plant delayed "
Warning over global oil 'decline'
There is a "significant risk" that global production of conventional oil could "peak" and decline by 2020, a report has warned.
Continue reading " Warning over global oil 'decline' "
October 7, 2009
Scilly switch-off short of target
Organisers of an energy switch-off on the Isles of Scilly achieved only a 1% drop in power usage but they insist that the experiment was a success.
Continue reading " Scilly switch-off short of target "
October 5, 2009
Smart meters 'need live displays'
The government should require power companies to provide clear visual displays when they install smart meters in homes, says a report.
Continue reading " Smart meters 'need live displays' "
September 22, 2009
Power firm generates investment
The company behind the Oyster wave-powered generator has raised £10m in its first round of fund raising.
Continue reading " Power firm generates investment "
September 15, 2009
No power cuts danger - Miliband
There is "no danger" of mass power cuts in the UK during the next decade, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said.
Continue reading " No power cuts danger - Miliband "
September 11, 2009
UK 'could face blackouts by 2016'
The government's new energy adviser says the UK could face blackouts by 2016 because green energy is not coming on stream fast enough.
Continue reading " UK 'could face blackouts by 2016' "
September 9, 2009
US firm in China solar mega-deal
US energy group First Solar has signed a preliminary deal to build the world's biggest solar power plant in China.
Continue reading " US firm in China solar mega-deal "
September 2, 2009
BP discovers 'giant' new oil well
Oil giant BP has said it has made a "giant" new oil discovery in its fields in the Gulf of Mexico.
Continue reading " BP discovers 'giant' new oil well "
September 1, 2009
End in sight for 100W light bulb
A European Union ban on the manufacture and import of 100 watt and frosted incandescent light bulbs, in use since the 19th Century, has come into force.
Continue reading " End in sight for 100W light bulb "
Winning over the 'Nimby blockade'
Developers of wind turbines and other energy schemes need to learn to work with - not against - local communities to get their plans approved, according to a new UK government study.
Continue reading " Winning over the 'Nimby blockade' "
August 27, 2009
Pensioner's £67,000 power bill
A County Londonderry pensioner who has lived without electricity for 27 years has been told NIE will charge him £67,000 to link his home to the grid.
Continue reading " Pensioner's £67,000 power bill "
August 24, 2009
BRC calls for VAT change on energy-efficent appliances
VAT should be removed entirely from energy-efficient appliances and a car industry style scrappage scheme considered. This would help households cut their fuel bills by switching to low emissions-generating products.
Continue reading " BRC calls for VAT change on energy-efficent appliances "
August 20, 2009
Wind turbine milestone for Oxford
Oxford says it has become the first city in England and Wales to commit to having a commercial-scale wind turbine on council land.
Continue reading " Wind turbine milestone for Oxford "
August 10, 2009
Report says UK on track to energy security
According to a new report commissioned by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, the UK is on course to achieve its objective of securing its energy supplies, both domestically and internationally.
Continue reading " Report says UK on track to energy security "
August 5, 2009
Energy efficiency investment could 'save US $1.2 trillion'
Improving energy efficiency in buildings could save the US economy $1.2 trillion by 2020 according to a respected team of analysts.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency investment could 'save US $1.2 trillion' "
August 4, 2009
Coventry-based energy firm E.ON rapped over windfarm advert
Coventry-based energy firm E.ON has been told to axe adverts for a windfarm that used “misleading images”.
Continue reading " Coventry-based energy firm E.ON rapped over windfarm advert "
Rooftop demo to support workers
Five people have begun a rooftop protest on the Isle of Wight over the planned closure of a wind turbine blade factory, with the loss of 625 jobs.
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July 27, 2009
Gull killer turbines are removed
An aquarium in Devon has taken down two wind turbines after seagulls were killed when they collided with the blades.
Continue reading " Gull killer turbines are removed "
Objection to wind farm over birds
RSPB Scotland has lodged an objection to plans for Scotland's largest community wind farm, on Shetland.
Continue reading " Objection to wind farm over birds "
July 24, 2009
Fuel scheme 'failing the poorest'
A scheme aimed at improving households' fuel efficiency and cutting fuel poverty is "failing the poorest and most vulnerable", MPs have said.
Continue reading " Fuel scheme 'failing the poorest' "
EDF fined £2m for 'poor' service
EDF Energy Networks has been fined £2m for poor customer service, industry regulator Ofgem has said.
Continue reading " EDF fined £2m for 'poor' service "
July 22, 2009
Sit-in turbine staff 'face sack'
A protester claims the 30 demonstrators at a sit-in at the Vestas wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight have been told they will be sacked.
Continue reading " Sit-in turbine staff 'face sack' "
Planes 'should fly on biofuels'
Biofuel research should focus on planes and not cars, the think tank Policy Exchange has said.
Continue reading " Planes 'should fly on biofuels' "
July 13, 2009
Energy policy 'too wind focused'
The UK must invest more in nuclear and clean coal energy and put less emphasis on wind power if it wants a secure low-carbon future, business leaders say.
Continue reading " Energy policy 'too wind focused' "
'Cashback' pledge for green power
Households which contribute electricity to the National Grid are to receive payments under a new government scheme.
Continue reading " 'Cashback' pledge for green power "
July 9, 2009
Nuclear dawn delayed in Finland
When it is finished, Finland's Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) nuclear reactor will be the biggest the world has ever seen, the excavation site alone is the size of 55 football fields.
Continue reading " Nuclear dawn delayed in Finland "
Study pinpoints UK wind hotspots
The most comprehensive report of its kind has identified the UK's best locations for households to install micro-wind turbines, say its authors.
Continue reading " Study pinpoints UK wind hotspots "
Consultation on new UK coal power stations
The Department of Energy and Climate Change is consulting on its clean coal framework. The consultation details how the Government proposes to reconcile curbing emissions of carbon from future coal fired power stations in the UK with the need to maintain a secure diverse energy mix.
Continue reading " Consultation on new UK coal power stations "
July 8, 2009
£3.5 billion investment to cut household energy use and bills
UK householder energy use and bills will be cut thanks to £3.5 billion worth of energy company investment, the government says.
Continue reading " £3.5 billion investment to cut household energy use and bills "
July 6, 2009
South Korea to spend billions on energy efficiency
The Government of South Korea has announced a spending programme worth over $84bn to improve energy efficiency in the country.
Continue reading " South Korea to spend billions on energy efficiency "
July 2, 2009
EU energy conservation website
Facilities managers, building professionals, local authorities and tenants can now access a new energy conservation advice website called "BUILD UP" that has recently been launched by the EU as a tool for sharing information on reducing energy use in buildings.
Continue reading " EU energy conservation website "
July 1, 2009
Tradespeople want to give trustworthy energy efficiency advice
Most tradespeople would be more willing to give advice on energy efficiency if they had access to better information themselves, according to a poll conducted for the Energy Saving Trust.
Continue reading " Tradespeople want to give trustworthy energy efficiency advice "
British Gas creating 2,600 jobs
British Gas is to create 2,600 new jobs by 2012 to lead the roll-out of smart meter technology.
Continue reading " British Gas creating 2,600 jobs "
Wind 'can revolutionise UK power'
Wind has the power to revolutionise the UK's electricity industry, according to a study published on Wednesday.
Continue reading " Wind 'can revolutionise UK power' "
June 30, 2009
Beleaguered oil firms 'at risk'
Thousands of jobs could be lost if the government does not do more to support oil and gas companies, the Commons energy select committee has warned.
Continue reading " Beleaguered oil firms 'at risk' "
June 29, 2009
Potential for 70,000 jobs through home insulation programme
The possibility of 70,000 jobs being created by a home insulation programme to cut CO2 emissions shows that the need for more energy efficient homes is "zooming up the political agenda", the Unite union said this week.
Continue reading " Potential for 70,000 jobs through home insulation programme "
Scientists attack energy industry
Britain's energy systems are no longer fit for purpose, according to leading members of the UK's best-known scientific academy, the Royal Society.
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UK expands wind power potential
The UK government has moved to clear the path for a quarter of the nation's electricity to be powered by wind.
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June 26, 2009
Round-the-world solar plane debut
Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard has unveiled a prototype of the solar-powered plane he hopes eventually to fly around the world.
Continue reading " Round-the-world solar plane debut "
June 25, 2009
UK energy customers 'overcharged'
Customers are being overcharged by an average of £74 on their annual energy bills, an independent consumer watchdog has said.
Continue reading " UK energy customers 'overcharged' "
June 24, 2009
Small firms to be muscled out of wind power business
The government is not going to give wind power sites to small firms, according to the British Wind Energy Association.
Continue reading " Small firms to be muscled out of wind power business "
UK's infrastructure 'vulnerable'
Large parts of the UK's infrastructure including energy and transport networks are vulnerable to terrorism or bad weather, a report has warned.
Continue reading " UK's infrastructure 'vulnerable' "
June 22, 2009
Clean coal development - conditions and consultation
Two reports on the development of clean coal technology have now been published. Alongside the Government's consultation document, "A Framework for the Development of Clean Coal", AEA Group has published a report entitled "Future Value of Coal Carbon Abatement Technologies to UK Industry".
Continue reading " Clean coal development - conditions and consultation "
June 17, 2009
Fusion falters under soaring costs
An international plan to build a nuclear fusion reactor is being threatened by rising costs, delays and technical challenges.
Continue reading " Fusion falters under soaring costs "
June 16, 2009
EcoHouse exceeds all performance expectations
The benefits of thermal mass can be provided in a house built from traditional masonry and concrete construction, Hanson, one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, said last week.
Continue reading " EcoHouse exceeds all performance expectations "
June 12, 2009
Trans-European power grid needed
European countries must invest in new electricity grids to safeguard their power supplies, scientists have warned.
Continue reading " Trans-European power grid needed "
Anaerobic digestion demonstration projects given green light
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the five anaerobic digestion projects that have been successful in their bid to obtain Government funding to help them generate energy from organic waste, such as food.
Continue reading " Anaerobic digestion demonstration projects given green light "
June 9, 2009
Australia wind farm gets go-ahead
Approval has been given for Australia's biggest wind farm to be built near Broken Hill in New South Wales.
Continue reading " Australia wind farm gets go-ahead "
June 5, 2009
Floating wind turbine launched
The world's first floating wind turbine is to be towed out to sea this weekend.
Continue reading " Floating wind turbine launched "
June 2, 2009
Climate chief's pledge on energy
America's chief climate negotiator has pledged billions of dollars a year to help developing countries acquire clean energy and adapt to climate change.
Continue reading " Climate chief's pledge on energy "
June 1, 2009
Ranchers driving wind revolution
Texan cattle rancher Mike Baca seems an unlikely evangelist for the American green revolution.
Continue reading " Ranchers driving wind revolution "
May 29, 2009
The Arctic's oil reserves mapped
An estimated 30% of the world's undiscovered gas and 13% of its undiscovered oil may be in the Arctic, according to a map published on Friday.
Continue reading " The Arctic's oil reserves mapped "
May 21, 2009
Taiwan's solar stadium is 100% powered by the sun
Taiwan recently finished construction on an incredible solar-powered stadium that will generate 100% of its electricity from photovoltaic technology!
Continue reading " Taiwan's solar stadium is 100% powered by the sun "
May 20, 2009
Largest wind farm comes on stream
The final section of Europe's largest onshore wind farm is coming on stream as plans are under way to expand it.
Continue reading " Largest wind farm comes on stream "
May 19, 2009
Electricity to power 'smart grid'
Global electricity networks could become smart grids that can help us monitor and control our energy usage, if plans from net firm Cisco take off.
Continue reading " Electricity to power 'smart grid' "
May 15, 2009
Flat-screen light bulbs switch on
Researchers have demonstrated white, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) sources with the same efficiency as fluorescent light bulbs.
Continue reading " Flat-screen light bulbs switch on "
May 12, 2009
UK to build world's largest off-shore wind farm
The green light has been given to a €2.2bn plan to build what is claimed to be the world's largest offshore wind farm in England.
Continue reading " UK to build world's largest off-shore wind farm "
May 11, 2009
Smart meter plans to be outlined
The government is to unveil plans for every home in the UK to be equipped with smart meters by the end of 2020.
Continue reading " Smart meter plans to be outlined "
Centrica in British Energy deal
British Gas owner Centrica has said it is buying a 20% stake in nuclear firm British Energy for £2.3bn.
Continue reading " Centrica in British Energy deal "
May 6, 2009
Government gives coal go-ahead
The Government has signalled the go-ahead for up to four new coal-fired power stations before 2020 as they are "important for our energy mix", but will be insisting that all new plants will have to reduce their carbon emissions by new technology that can trap and store a proportion of their carbon dioxide underground.
Continue reading " Government gives coal go-ahead "
April 15, 2009
Dirty energy threat to green Brazil
Brazil boasts of being one of the world's "greenest" energy suppliers, but recent policy initiatives could jeopardise its desire to be a big player in future climate change discussions.
Continue reading " Dirty energy threat to green Brazil "
Mixed views on new nuclear build
Residents living near existing nuclear reactors only have "qualified support" for new power stations, a study shows.
Continue reading " Mixed views on new nuclear build "
New nuclear site options unveiled
The government has released a list of 11 sites in England and Wales where new nuclear power stations could be built.
Continue reading " New nuclear site options unveiled "
April 14, 2009
Windfarms 'could generate £1bn'
Northern Irish ports could benefit from offshore windfarming after more than 100 operators, developers, investors and manufacturers met with UK government officials recently to discuss the issue.
Continue reading " Windfarms 'could generate £1bn' "
Biomass 'worse than fossil fuels'
Biomass power could become one of the worst emitters of greenhouse gases, the Environment Agency (EA) has warned.
Continue reading " Biomass 'worse than fossil fuels' "
April 9, 2009
Prize for 'Sun in the box' cooker
A cheap solar cooker has won first prize in a contest for green ideas.
Continue reading " Prize for 'Sun in the box' cooker "
April 3, 2009
Virus battery could 'power cars'
Viruses have been used to help build batteries that may one day power cars and all types of electronic devices.
Continue reading " Virus battery could 'power cars' "
March 25, 2009
Direct debit energy bills slammed
A consumer group has raised fresh concerns over direct debit demands by energy companies ahead of the regulator's findings on the issue.
Continue reading " Direct debit energy bills slammed "
Cold fusion debate heats up again
The long-standing debate about cold fusion is receiving new impetus at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in the US this week.
Continue reading " Cold fusion debate heats up again "
March 24, 2009
RSPB calls for more UK wind farms
There should be a significant increase in the number of wind farms built onshore in the UK, the RSPB has said.
Continue reading " RSPB calls for more UK wind farms "
March 23, 2009
Clean coal plants 'lead the way'
While the government's decision over a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent still seems as far away as ever, on mainland Europe work is progressing towards a more advanced wave of coal fired plants.
Continue reading " Clean coal plants 'lead the way' "
Clean coal plants 'lead the way'
While the government's decision over a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent still seems as far away as ever, on mainland Europe work is progressing towards a more advanced wave of coal fired plants.
Continue reading " Clean coal plants 'lead the way' "
Reducing the energy use of industrial motors
The equivalent of Sweden's electricity consumption will be saved each year after the EU Member States backed new rules to reduce the electricity consumption of industrial motors.
Continue reading " Reducing the energy use of industrial motors "
'Cheaper energy bills' proposed
Energy companies will be banned from charging "unjustified" prices under new rules proposed by the regulator Ofgem.
Continue reading " 'Cheaper energy bills' proposed "
March 20, 2009
Port awaits liquid gas delivery
The first giant tanker carrying super- cooled gas from the Middle East to one of two new terminals in Pembrokeshire is expected to dock later.
Continue reading " Port awaits liquid gas delivery "
March 16, 2009
Efficiency plan to help fuel poor
People living in fuel poverty are to receive more help from the Welsh Assembly Government as part of plans to improved energy efficiency.
Continue reading " Efficiency plan to help fuel poor "
March 2, 2009
County Antrim wind power plan would benefit environment
A proposal which could see the improved integration of electricity generated by wind power into the grid system would be environmentally advantageous and boost employment, it has been claimed.
Continue reading " County Antrim wind power plan would benefit environment "
February 18, 2009
Turbines' impact on birds probed
The impact small wind turbines placed on homes and business could have on birds and bats is to be studied by researchers at Stirling University.
Continue reading " Turbines' impact on birds probed "
February 16, 2009
Scotland to get first biogas energy from waste plant
Small buyout specialist, Matrix Private Equity Partners (MPEP), has facilitated one of the first large scale biogas "energy from waste" projects in the UK, through its continued support and investment in Monsal, which it backed in 2007.
Continue reading " Scotland to get first biogas energy from waste plant "
February 9, 2009
Sweden aims to lift nuclear ban
The Swedish government plans to overturn a nearly 30-year-old decision to phase out nuclear power and lift a ban on building new reactors.
Continue reading " Sweden aims to lift nuclear ban "
Call for rural energy guarantee
More must be done to help Scottish communities benefit from energy efficiency measures, Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell has said.
Continue reading " Call for rural energy guarantee "
Government rejects criticism of low-energy lights
The Government has rejected a number of the criticisms aimed at the new low-energy light bulbs, namely that they give insufficient light for reading and are potentially hazardous to the environment due to their mercury content.
Continue reading " Government rejects criticism of low-energy lights "
January 30, 2009
UK energy saving policy 'failing'
The UK government is failing to support its own measures designed to deliver energy savings, an expert has warned.
Continue reading " UK energy saving policy 'failing' "
January 28, 2009
Nuclear plant 'quake ban' lifted
An outright ban on locating new nuclear power stations in areas of the UK which are susceptible to earthquakes has been lifted by the government.
Continue reading " Nuclear plant 'quake ban' lifted "
UK gets biofuels research centre
A centre that will act as the hub for biofuels research has been launched by Science Minister Lord Drayson.
Continue reading " UK gets biofuels research centre "
January 27, 2009
Obama aims for oil independence
President Barack Obama has called for the US to become energy independent, saying its reliance on foreign oil and global warming posed threats.
Continue reading " Obama aims for oil independence "
January 26, 2009
Carbon Trust promotes biomass heating
The Carbon Trust has published a new document, entitled Biomass Heating: A Practical Guide, which suggests that businesses and public sector organisations could benefit by switching from oil, gas and electric-powered heating to biomass-based heating systems.
Continue reading " Carbon Trust promotes biomass heating "
Shortlist for Severn energy plans
A shortlist of proposed schemes to harness renewable energy from the tides of the Severn estuary will be announced by the UK Government later.
Continue reading " Shortlist for Severn energy plans "
January 23, 2009
'Greening' of heating on the agenda
Energy experts are meeting to generate new ideas for the "greening" of heating, which produces 47% of the UK's CO2 emissions.
Continue reading " 'Greening' of heating on the agenda "
January 22, 2009
British Gas in 10% gas price cut
British Gas has announced it will reduce its standard tariff gas prices by 10% from 19 February.
Continue reading " British Gas in 10% gas price cut "
January 19, 2009
Energy efficiency system branded a shambles
The energy efficiency system involving Display Energy Certificates (DECs) has been attacked by the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) after leading Government departments failed to meet the required standards.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency system branded a shambles "
CIBSE reveals increased awareness of Energy Performance Certificate recommendations
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has released the results of two informal surveys into Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
January 13, 2009
Traffic could create electricity
A possible new approach to creating electricity in Ireland has been suggested, as engineers claim to have developed a type of road that can make the power from traffic.
Continue reading " Traffic could create electricity "
January 12, 2009
International Energy Agency 'blocking global switch to renewables'
The international body that advises most major governments across the world on energy policy is obstructing a global switch to renewable power because of its ties to the oil, gas and nuclear sectors, a group of politicians and scientists claims today.
Continue reading " International Energy Agency 'blocking global switch to renewables' "
January 9, 2009
First flight of algae-fuelled jet
A US airline has completed the first test flight of a plane partly powered by biofuel derived from algae.
Continue reading " First flight of algae-fuelled jet "
January 8, 2009
Household bills to remain high as traders export gas due to Russian pipeline crisis
Household energy bills are likely to remain high after UK traders forced up prices by exporting gas to Europe to cover shortages caused by the Russian pipeline crisis.
Waste energy plant plans on show
A £110m waste to energy plant in Lincolnshire has come a step closer.
Continue reading " Waste energy plant plans on show "
December 16, 2008
Ofgem targets £500m bill savings
An energy market investigation by industry regulator Ofgem is on track to remove more than £500m in unfair bill premiums, the watchdog has said.
Continue reading " Ofgem targets £500m bill savings "
December 12, 2008
Government response to consultation on renewables obligation
The Government has published its response to the statutory consultation on the Renewables Obligation (RO) Order 2009.
Continue reading " Government response to consultation on renewables obligation "
December 9, 2008
EU wants end to old-style bulbs
A European Union report has recommended banning conventional incandescent light bulbs by 2012 to save energy and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue reading " EU wants end to old-style bulbs "
November 26, 2008
Trade winds
When times are tough, governments like nothing better than to announce the creation of new jobs.
Continue reading " Trade winds "
November 25, 2008
Qatar launch $375 million clean-tech fund
The U.K. government, through the Carbon Trust agency, has announced the launch of a strategic partnership with Qatar aiming to help form partnerships between hydrocarbon producing countries and consumer countries and a move to reduced carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Continue reading " Qatar launch $375 million clean-tech fund "
November 24, 2008
MP criticises energy firm charges
A senior MP has said he believes energy companies are boosting their cash flow by increasing customers' direct debit payments even when they are in credit.
Continue reading " MP criticises energy firm charges "
Spain city sets up solar cemetery
A Spanish city has found an unusual place to generate renewable energy - the local cemetery.
Continue reading " Spain city sets up solar cemetery "
November 17, 2008
EU seeks to expand energy grids
The European Commission has unveiled plans to diversify the EU's energy imports and reduce dependence on Russia, the main gas supplier.
Continue reading " EU seeks to expand energy grids "
November 12, 2008
Energy body warns on oil prices
One of the world's leading authorities on energy supply says the era of cheap oil is over and prices could soon be back up to $100 a barrel.
Continue reading " Energy body warns on oil prices "
UK experts give blackouts warning
Some energy experts asked by BBC News warn the UK could face an unacceptable risk of major blackouts in less than 10 years unless policy is improved.
Continue reading " UK experts give blackouts warning "
November 7, 2008
Call to end 'unfair' energy deals
A charity for the elderly has called on the government to tackle what it calls unfair energy pricing.
Continue reading " Call to end 'unfair' energy deals "
November 5, 2008
UK energy bill rises 'double' EU
Energy prices in the UK have increased twice as fast as the European Union average, according to latest figures.
Continue reading " UK energy bill rises 'double' EU "
November 3, 2008
Mud eruption 'caused by drilling'
The eruption of the Lusi mud volcano in Indonesia was caused by drilling for oil and gas, a meeting of 74 leading geologists has concluded.
Continue reading " Mud eruption 'caused by drilling' "
October 29, 2008
Renewables role for oil industry
The oil and gas industry is to be encouraged to play a bigger role in the development of marine power.
Continue reading " Renewables role for oil industry "
October 28, 2008
China coal 'true cost' at $250bn
China's coal industry has hidden annual costs of $250bn (£159bn) in terms of damage to health and the environment, a report by Chinese experts says.
Continue reading " China coal 'true cost' at $250bn "
Brown warning over energy bills
Gordon Brown has urged energy firms to reduce petrol prices and household fuel bills to reflect the sharp fall in global oil prices in recent weeks.
Continue reading " Brown warning over energy bills "
October 27, 2008
Seaweed farms 'could fuel future'
Pilot seaweed and algae farms are needed to assess Scotland's marine biomass potential, experts have urged.
Continue reading " Seaweed farms 'could fuel future' "
October 25, 2008
Carbon Trust works to slash costs of offshore wind
The Carbon Trust has joined forces with five major international energy companies in a major new initiative to reduce the cost of offshore wind by at least 10%.
Continue reading " Carbon Trust works to slash costs of offshore wind "
October 24, 2008
'Drastic' reforms on energy urged
"Urgent and drastic" policy and system changes are needed if the UK is to meet EU targets on renewable energy, a House of Lords committee has said.
Continue reading " 'Drastic' reforms on energy urged "
Coal power plants to face ban from 2015
Conventional coal-fired power stations will be banned from 2015 under proposals backed by the European Parliament this week.
Continue reading " Coal power plants to face ban from 2015 "
October 23, 2008
Unions says UK workers 'excluded'
A protest is taking place at a new power station in Nottinghamshire over claims UK workers are being kept out of jobs there.
Continue reading " Unions says UK workers 'excluded' "
October 22, 2008
Power company in administration
An electricity business which supplies 40,000 small businesses has gone into administration, the BBC has learned.
Continue reading " Power company in administration "
October 21, 2008
Many energy bills 'unjustified'
Gas and electricity customers may be paying hundreds of pounds a year more than is justified, a former energy consumer chief has said.
Continue reading " Many energy bills 'unjustified' "
October 20, 2008
Major tidal power plan revealed
Hundreds of jobs and heat for Prince Charles' organic business in Caithness have been identified as spin offs from a proposed green energy project.
Continue reading " Major tidal power plan revealed "
October 18, 2008
Canal plan for powering homes
British Waterways would like to see wind turbines and small-scale hydro-electric schemes constructed on land it owns over the coming five years. The money from such schemes (estimated at more than £1 million per year), would be used for the upkeep of the waterways.
Continue reading " Canal plan for powering homes "
Energy bills 'often inaccurate'
Energy customers could be paying higher prices for gas and electricity used months earlier, the new watchdog Consumer Focus has warned.
Continue reading " Energy bills 'often inaccurate' "
October 17, 2008
Oil prices up before Opec meeting
Oil prices have risen, buoyed by Opec's decision to bring forward its emergency meeting by three weeks to next week.
Continue reading " Oil prices up before Opec meeting "
October 10, 2008
Hydrogen centre 'first in the UK'
A hydrogen energy research centre, described as the first of its kind in the UK, has opened near Swansea.
Continue reading " Hydrogen centre 'first in the UK' "
World's largest tidal energy farm set for UK
The world's largest tidal energy farm could be built in British waters, it has been announced.
Continue reading " World's largest tidal energy farm set for UK "
October 8, 2008
Europe follows fusion twin track
An alternative fusion project has been kicked off in Europe that would seek abundant clean energy using a colossal laser the size of a football stadium.
Continue reading " Europe follows fusion twin track "
October 6, 2008
Government faces fuel court case
Two charities are taking the government to court because they say not enough is being done to tackle high energy bills.
Continue reading " Government faces fuel court case "
Energy bills are 'unfair to some'
The energy regulator Ofgem has told companies to stop charging customers different rates if they pay by direct debit or pre-payment meters.
Continue reading " Energy bills are 'unfair to some' "
October 1, 2008
Mixed views on new nuclear build
Residents living near existing nuclear reactors only have "qualified support" for new power stations, a study shows.
Continue reading " Mixed views on new nuclear build "
Landlords must show energy rating
All landlords must now give new tenants a certificate showing the energy efficiency of their rented property.
Continue reading " Landlords must show energy rating "
September 30, 2008
Barack Obama and John McCain on climate change, energy and science
To find out where Republicans and Democrats stand Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were invited by Nature magazine to answer a range of questions on science, energy and climate change.
Continue reading " Barack Obama and John McCain on climate change, energy and science "
Carbon Trust helps UK businesses to save £1bn
The latest figures show that the Carbon Trust has helped UK businesses to save £1 billion in energy costs and to cut carbon emissions by 17 million tonnes since it became operational in 2001. Businesses working with the Carbon Trust cut their carbon footprint by approximately two million tonnes last year. This is an increase of about half a million tonnes compared to the previous year.
Continue reading " Carbon Trust helps UK businesses to save £1bn "
September 27, 2008
Fear of power blackouts dismissed
The National Grid says fears of winter power blackouts are unfounded, and denied that surplus capacity is low.
Continue reading " Fear of power blackouts dismissed "
September 24, 2008
Coal power plants 'must be clean'
Coal-fired power stations must not be built unless they can capture and store CO2, the Environment Agency has warned.
Continue reading " Coal power plants 'must be clean' "
UN forecasts boom in 'green jobs'
The UN says millions of new jobs will be created worldwide over the next few decades by the development of alternative energy technologies.
Continue reading " UN forecasts boom in 'green jobs' "
September 19, 2008
Google and GE in energy deal
The internet giant Google has teamed up with technology multinational General Electric to develop a "smart" electric power grid and promote clean energy.
Continue reading " Google and GE in energy deal "
September 17, 2008
400 jobs to go at Coventry energy plant
Jobs could be in jeopardy as utilities giant E.ON UK announced 400 cuts in its Energy Services operations.
Continue reading " 400 jobs to go at Coventry energy plant "
Britain 'faces power cuts threat'
The UK will experience prolonged power cuts in about five years unless urgent action is taken now, a report warns.
Continue reading " Britain 'faces power cuts threat' "
September 15, 2008
New battle over Arctic oil plans
The grey waters of the Arctic Ocean are the scene for a new battle over plans for a huge expansion in the drilling of oil and gas far beyond the Alaskan shore.
Continue reading " New battle over Arctic oil plans "
Guidance for landlords on energy performance certificates
The Department for Communities and Local Government has produced a booklet containing advice for landlords on the new energy performance certificates (EPCs), which will be required if renting to a new tenant from 1 October 2008. The publication, A Landlord's Guide to Energy Performance Certificates, is free and is only available online.
Continue reading " Guidance for landlords on energy performance certificates "
New bug ferments green fuel cheaply
A study undertaken by a scientist at Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, has revealed that genetically-engineered bacteria could be used to reduce the cost of manufacturing cellulose-based ethanol.
Continue reading " New bug ferments green fuel cheaply "
September 14, 2008
EU in crop biofuel goal rethink
European Union lawmakers have voted to set a limit on targets to increase the use of road transport biofuels.
Continue reading " EU in crop biofuel goal rethink "
September 11, 2008
Fusion power seeks super steels
Scientists say an understanding of how the Twin Towers collapsed will help them develop the materials needed to build fusion reactors.
Continue reading " Fusion power seeks super steels "
September 8, 2008
One in four 'facing fuel poverty'
Almost a quarter of the population will be pushed into fuel poverty by the end of next year, a report has suggested.
Continue reading " One in four 'facing fuel poverty' "
September 5, 2008
Energy companies 'hike dividends'
The "big six" energy suppliers increased their shareholder dividend payouts by 19% last year, according to new research.
Continue reading " Energy companies 'hike dividends' "
How food waste can power your home
The government is considering building a host of new "biowaste" plants in towns and cities across England which turn food waste into energy.
Continue reading " How food waste can power your home "
Government warned over fuel costs
The government is being warned it could face public hostility over the rising cost of fuel bills.
Continue reading " Government warned over fuel costs "
September 4, 2008
Germany leads 'clean coal' pilot
Beneath the gargantuan grey boiler towers of Schwarze Pumpe power station which pierce the skies of northern Germany, a Lilliputian puzzle of metal boxes and shining canisters is about to mark a moment of industrial history.
Continue reading " Germany leads 'clean coal' pilot "
August 29, 2008
Asia's biggest solar thermal energy plant to be set up at Nagpur
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Vilas Muttemwar today said Asia's biggest
solar thermal energy plant of 10 MW capacity would be set up at Nagpur, where a SEZ was also being established in which equipment and appliances related to wind, solar and biogas energy would be manufactured.
Continue reading " Asia's biggest solar thermal energy plant to be set up at Nagpur "
China to Subsidize Wind Turbines
The Chinese government said Friday it will subsidize wind power equipment makers as the country continues its drive to generate 15 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.
Continue reading " China to Subsidize Wind Turbines "
August 26, 2008
UK 'should end biofuel subsidies'
The government should stop funding biofuels and use the money to halt the destruction of rainforests and peatland instead, a think tank has said.
Continue reading " UK 'should end biofuel subsidies' "
MPs call for energy windfall tax
More than 80 Labour MPs have signed a petition calling for a one-off windfall tax to be imposed on energy firms who have recently recorded huge profits.
Continue reading " MPs call for energy windfall tax "
August 21, 2008
Energy firm E.On to raise prices
Energy firm E.On is to raise gas prices by 26% and electricity prices by 16% on 22 August.
Continue reading " Energy firm E.On to raise prices "
Lib Dems urge energy independence
The UK could be "energy independent" by 2050 without building any new coal or nuclear power stations, the Liberal Democrats have said.
Continue reading " Lib Dems urge energy independence "
August 19, 2008
Coal's toxic legacy to the Arctic
Coal burning in western Europe and North America has been a prime source of heavy metal pollution in the Arctic.
Continue reading " Coal's toxic legacy to the Arctic "
August 18, 2008
Ministers launch electricity plan
The Scottish government is to bulk-buy electricity for the whole public sector with a view to saving taxpayers' money in a climate of soaring energy bills.
Continue reading " Ministers launch electricity plan "
August 15, 2008
German boffins use "anti noise" to silence wind turbines
The dull hum that emanates from many wind turbines could soon become a thing of the past thanks to a group of German researchers who claim to have developed a new sound muffling technology capable of cutting noise levels by an estimated 50 per cent.
Continue reading " German boffins use "anti noise" to silence wind turbines "
£65m plan will turn distillery greener
Plans for a pioneering £65 million bio-energy plant at Scotland's largest distillery, Cameronbridge, at Windygates in Fife, have been announced by drinks giant Diageo.
Continue reading " £65m plan will turn distillery greener "
Greenpeace virtual tool shows how to save energy in your city
Greenpeace UK has created a virtual tool that can be used to find out how cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy: 'EfficienCity'.
Continue reading " Greenpeace virtual tool shows how to save energy in your city "
High street banks face consumer boycott over investment in coal projects
High street banks, including Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Barclays, face a consumer boycott if they continue to channel billions of pounds of new investment into coal projects, campaigning groups warned last night.
Continue reading " High street banks face consumer boycott over investment in coal projects "
Renewables case pushed
The UK will have "little or no need" for large-scale investment in conventional power plants if it meets renewable energy targets, a report has claimed.
Continue reading " Renewables case pushed "
August 13, 2008
British Energy sees profits fall
British Energy has reported a 66% drop in quarterly profits, hit by falls in production from the group's ageing nuclear power stations.
Continue reading " British Energy sees profits fall "
August 12, 2008
Ministers consider fuel bill help
The government has played down reports it may give families £150 towards fuel bills, after an official was overheard discussing options on a train.
Continue reading " Ministers consider fuel bill help "
August 11, 2008
Firms 'need fairer energy deals'
UK businesses need to be offered help in dealing with energy companies, the British Chamber of Commerce says.
Continue reading " Firms 'need fairer energy deals' "
August 7, 2008
Wind turbine grant testing urged
Grants for homeowners who want to install small wind turbines should assess whether the structure saves carbon emissions, a report has said.
Continue reading " Wind turbine grant testing urged "
August 5, 2008
Oil price falls further to $118
Oil prices touched three-month lows of $118 a barrel on Tuesday as traders reacted to news of rising supplies.
Continue reading " Oil price falls further to $118 "
August 4, 2008
China's 'rapid renewables surge'
China's rapid investment in low carbon technologies has catapulted the nation up the global renewable energy rankings, a report shows.
Continue reading " China's 'rapid renewables surge' "
August 1, 2008
Digesting the problem
Britain has fallen well behind much of Europe when it comes to utilising manure from farms and
waste from abattoirs and food processors to create gas and electricity. But that could soon
change.
Continue reading " Digesting the problem "
British Energy rejects takeover
The board of British Energy has rejected a deal which would have meant the sale of eight of the UK's nuclear power stations to a French state-owned energy firm.
Continue reading " British Energy rejects takeover "
July 31, 2008
New turbine to harness wave power
A turbine designed to be the forerunner of the UK's first commercial wave power station has been officially switched on in Argyll and Bute.
Continue reading " New turbine to harness wave power "
Centrica hit by high energy costs
British Gas owner Centrica has seen operating profits decline 20% in the first six months of the year, following increases in wholesale gas prices.
Continue reading " Centrica hit by high energy costs "
July 29, 2008
Solar power call for more schools
Solar panels being installed in a secondary school in East Sussex will generate enough power for 33,000 hours of classroom computer use.
Continue reading " Solar power call for more schools "
Obama's biofuels policy tension
US presidential hopeful Barack Obama is coming under increasing pressure to change his policies on biofuels.
Continue reading " Obama's biofuels policy tension "
July 27, 2008
MPs warn of energy price impact
Rises in gas and electricity bills in the near future will have serious consequences for millions of households, an MPs' committee has said.
Continue reading " MPs warn of energy price impact "
July 25, 2008
EDF customers face higher bills
EDF Energy has announced it is putting up gas prices by 22% and electricity prices by 17% for domestic customers.
Continue reading " EDF customers face higher bills "
July 24, 2008
Renewables mandate 'undermined'
The UK's business department, BERR, has been accused of trying to sabotage Europe's rules on renewable energy.
Continue reading " Renewables mandate 'undermined' "
July 23, 2008
Oil prices fall to six-week low
Oil prices have fallen to a six-week low as US energy demand fell and a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico appeared to be missing oil facilities.
Continue reading " Oil prices fall to six-week low "
July 22, 2008
Supermarkets reduce petrol prices
Retailers Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's have all said they will lower the price of petrol, prompted by falling oil prices.
Continue reading " Supermarkets reduce petrol prices "
Clean deadline call on coal power
The government should set a deadline for coal-fired power stations to adopt "clean" technologies or close, according to a parliamentary committee.
Continue reading " Clean deadline call on coal power "
July 21, 2008
Giant wind farm project rescued
German power firm E.On and Danish utility Dong have bought Shell's stake in the London Array wind farm, which is set to be one of the world's largest.
Continue reading " Giant wind farm project rescued "
Rubbish idea that could make driving cheaper
A British company may have the answer to soaring petrol prices after it claimed yesterday to have become the first to have found a way to make fuel from rubbish
Continue reading " Rubbish idea that could make driving cheaper "
Green light for massive wind farm
Plans to build Europe's largest onshore wind farm in South Lanarkshire have been approved by Scottish ministers.
Continue reading " Green light for massive wind farm "
July 18, 2008
Biogas backed by government
Fifty senior industry and NGO executives met Defra ministers today to discuss multi-million pound plans to make greater use of anaerobic digestion - the technology which produces energy from organic material like food waste and manure.
Continue reading " Biogas backed by government "
Gas bills 'to top £1,000 a year'
Energy bills could rise by more than 60% within the next few years, the UK's biggest domestic energy supplier warns.
Continue reading " Gas bills 'to top £1,000 a year' "
July 16, 2008
Severn tidal 'fence' idea floated
Plans for an alternative tidal energy project to a £15bn Severn barrage have been put forward by opponents.
Continue reading " Severn tidal 'fence' idea floated "
Fuel duty increase is postponed
The planned 2p increase in fuel duty this October is to be postponed
Continue reading " Fuel duty increase is postponed "
July 15, 2008
Bush lifts offshore drilling ban
President George W Bush has lifted an executive ban on drilling for oil in most US coastal waters, and has urged lawmakers to follow suit.
Continue reading " Bush lifts offshore drilling ban "
July 11, 2008
Solar dyes give a guiding light
A new way capturing the energy from the Sun could increase the power generated by solar panels tenfold, a team of American scientists has shown.
Continue reading " Solar dyes give a guiding light "
July 10, 2008
French firm 'quits Iran gas deal'
The head of French energy giant Total has said it will not invest in Iran because it is too politically risky.
Continue reading " French firm 'quits Iran gas deal' "
Nuclear clean-up cost 'to rise'
The cost of decommissioning nuclear power sites could rise "significantly" above the £73bn already estimated, an MPs' committee has said.
Continue reading " Nuclear clean-up cost 'to rise' "
July 8, 2008
UK to slow expansion of biofuels
The UK is to slow its adoption of biofuels amid fears they raise food prices and harm the environment, the transport secretary has said.
Continue reading " UK to slow expansion of biofuels "
July 4, 2008
UK government's renewable plans
The government has announced that a national policy statement for planners on renewable
energy is due out this autumn.
Continue reading " UK government's renewable plans "
'Green' energy spending on rise
Global investment in "green" energy surged ahead in 2007 and has continued to grow this year despite turmoil in financial markets, a report says.
Continue reading " 'Green' energy spending on rise "
July 3, 2008
Anger at Kenya biofuel approval
Kenyan environmentalists have told the BBC that the government should revoke a decision to allow a controversial biofuels project to go ahead.
Continue reading " Anger at Kenya biofuel approval "
Climate concerns halt coal plant
The US state of Georgia has blocked construction of a new coal-fired power station because of concerns over its carbon dioxide emissions.
Continue reading " Climate concerns halt coal plant "
June 27, 2008
UK plans big wind power expansion
Thousands of new wind turbines could be built across the UK over the coming decade as part of a £100bn plan to boost renewable energy.
Continue reading " UK plans big wind power expansion "
June 26, 2008
Green energy plans to be outlined
Proposals on renewable energy aimed at meeting EU climate change targets and securing the UK's future supply are to be unveiled by the government later.
Continue reading " Green energy plans to be outlined "
June 25, 2008
Green energy push planned for UK
As many as a quarter of British homes could be fitted with solar heating panels under new government plans for a "green revolution".
Continue reading " Green energy push planned for UK "
Biofuel use 'increasing poverty'
The replacement of traditional fuels with biofuels has dragged more than 30 million people worldwide into poverty, an aid agency report says.
Continue reading " Biofuel use 'increasing poverty' "
Sharp solar panels to be used in two Japanese mega plants
Sharp has certainly been an integral part of these solar installations before, but the latest endeavor by the city of Sakai and the Kansai Electric Power Company isn't anything to sneeze at.
Continue reading " Sharp solar panels to be used in two Japanese mega plants "
June 13, 2008
Ministers plot UK nuclear future
The government is inviting communities in the UK to volunteer to host radioactive waste from the country's half-century of nuclear power.
Continue reading " Ministers plot UK nuclear future "
June 12, 2008
Concern over tidal barrage cost
The power generated by the proposed Severn Barrage could be produced more cheaply using other green technologies, a report says.
Continue reading " Concern over tidal barrage cost "
June 6, 2008
Fuel costs 'favour smaller cars'
High fuel prices and the threat of extra taxes on larger cars may be making smaller cars more popular, new car registration figures suggest.
Continue reading " Fuel costs 'favour smaller cars' "
Green energy 'revolution' needed
A leading energy body is calling for a $45 trillion (£23 trillion) green revolution to tackle global warming.
Continue reading " Green energy 'revolution' needed "
May 14, 2008
Sales plump at the pumps
It looks as if soaring fuel prices are finally taking their toll on motorists' wallets. And to prove it, sales of petrol and diesel have dropped dramatically.
Continue reading " Sales plump at the pumps "
Biofuel bacteria wrecks engines
Biofuel is wreaking havoc with car engines. Due to Government rules, all diesel sold in the UK must be blended with the eco-friendly fuel.
Continue reading " Biofuel bacteria wrecks engines "
May 12, 2008
British Gas owner warns on profit
Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has warned that profits will be squeezed by soaring gas and power prices and hinted that fuel bills could rise again.
Continue reading " British Gas owner warns on profit "
May 9, 2008
Centrica warns on wind farm costs
Centrica, one of the UK's biggest energy generators, has warned that the prospect of making money from wind farms is looking "marginal".
Continue reading " Centrica warns on wind farm costs "
Malcolm Wicks : Renewable Energy - its role in the UK
The Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks MP, discusses the role of renewable energy in the overall energy mix strategy of the Government and highlights the economic opportunities that renewable energy brings to the UK. He confirms renewable energy as a key priority for the UK.
Continue reading " Malcolm Wicks : Renewable Energy - its role in the UK "
May 2, 2008
Nuclear's CO2 cost 'will climb'
The case for nuclear power as a low carbon energy source to replace fossil fuels has been challenged in a new report by Australian academics.
Continue reading " Nuclear's CO2 cost 'will climb' "
April 22, 2008
Leaders warn on biofuels and food
Two Latin American leaders have issued warnings about the effects of biofuel production on food supplies.
Continue reading " Leaders warn on biofuels and food "
April 21, 2008
Massive wind energy plan refused
Plans to construct one of Europe's largest onshore wind farms has been refused by the Scottish Government.
Continue reading " Massive wind energy plan refused "
April 17, 2008
Brazil president defends biofuels
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has rejected allegations that biofuels are responsible for the recent rise in global food prices.
Continue reading " Brazil president defends biofuels "
April 16, 2008
Wind energy company in Euro call
A major wind farm developer has asked European Commissioners to acknowledge support for its 181-turbine proposal for Barvas Moor on Lewis.
Continue reading " Wind energy company in Euro call "
April 15, 2008
Petrol must now include biofuels
All petrol and diesel which is sold at UK pumps now has to include at least 2.5% biofuels.
Continue reading " Petrol must now include biofuels "
April 11, 2008
Extra £225m to beat fuel poverty
Up to 100,000 households could be helped with their fuel bills under a deal agreed between the UK's big six energy companies and the government.
Continue reading " Extra £225m to beat fuel poverty "
April 8, 2008
EU 'windfall for power companies'
Europe's big power companies could make profits of up to 71bn euros (£56bn) from the EU's scheme to curb carbon emissions, according to a report.
Continue reading " EU 'windfall for power companies' "
April 2, 2008
Energy customers switch suppliers
More than five million domestic energy customers looking for cheaper deals switched suppliers in 2007, according to regulator Ofgem.
Continue reading " Energy customers switch suppliers "
March 26, 2008
Call to expand UK's nuclear power
Britain's nuclear industry should be expanded to provide more energy and more jobs, Business Secretary John Hutton is to say in a speech later.
Continue reading " Call to expand UK's nuclear power "
March 21, 2008
Call for delay to biofuels policy
The UK's chief environment scientist has called for a delay to a policy demanding inclusion of biofuels into fuel at pumps across the UK.
Continue reading " Call for delay to biofuels policy "
March 19, 2008
Green power station to be opened
First Minister Alex Salmond is to officially open a £90m biomass power station near Lockerbie.
Continue reading " Green power station to be opened "
March 10, 2008
Coal 'key to UK's energy supply'
Coal-fired power stations will remain a "key source" of British energy, Cabinet minister John Hutton has said.
Continue reading " Coal 'key to UK's energy supply' "
How Darling could ease fuel bills
Four-and-a-half million households in the UK struggle to pay their gas and electricity bills.
Continue reading " How Darling could ease fuel bills "
March 6, 2008
UK 'to seek more nuclear power'
Britain's reliance on nuclear energy should increase over the next two decades, business secretary John Hutton has told The Financial Times.
Continue reading " UK 'to seek more nuclear power' "
February 29, 2008
No impact from Energy Saving Day
The UK's first Energy Saving Day has ended with no noticeable reduction in the country's electricity usage.
Continue reading " No impact from Energy Saving Day "
February 28, 2008
Moral appeal for UK energy saving
The battle against climate change has been described by a church leader as a "moral issue", at the launch of a strategy to reduce UK electricity use.
Continue reading " Moral appeal for UK energy saving "
February 25, 2008
Ofgem fines National Grid £41.6m
National Grid has been fined £41.6m by energy regulator Ofgem for restricting the development of competition in the domestic gas meter market.
Continue reading " Ofgem fines National Grid £41.6m "
February 24, 2008
Biofuels 'need strict standards'
Biofuels should only be produced if they meet strict environmental standards, an international group of lawmakers have concluded.
Continue reading " Biofuels 'need strict standards' "
February 22, 2008
Ofgem begins energy market probe
The energy regulator, Ofgem, has launched an investigation into the electricity and gas markets for households and small businesses.
Continue reading " Ofgem begins energy market probe "
February 21, 2008
British Gas profits jump to £571m
Energy supplier British Gas has reported annual profits of £571m at its residential arm, up from £95m in 2006.
Continue reading " British Gas profits jump to £571m "
February 5, 2008
Drive to slash Warwickshire County Council energy bills
A massive drive to cut energy bills for schools and offices across Warwickshire could save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.
Continue reading " Drive to slash Warwickshire County Council energy bills "
January 30, 2008
Nuclear clean-up costs 'rising'
The cost of decommissioning ageing nuclear power sites has risen "rapidly" in the past few years by £12bn to £73bn, according to an official report.
Continue reading " Nuclear clean-up costs 'rising' "
January 28, 2008
Britain 'facing energy shortfall'
Britain is likely to face a shortfall in electricity generation within five to seven years, a report concludes.
Continue reading " Britain 'facing energy shortfall' "
January 24, 2008
Gone with the wind on 'kite ship'
There is something rather magical about being up on deck of a giant cargo ship as it pushes its way out to sea.
Continue reading " Gone with the wind on 'kite ship' "
January 22, 2008
Severn barrage details unveiled
Details of a feasibility study into the Severn Barrage, a tidal power plan that could provide about 5% of UK electricity, have been announced.
Continue reading " Severn barrage details unveiled "
January 21, 2008
Call to abandon biofuels targets
The EU should abandon its biofuels targets because they are damaging the environment, a committee of MPs says.
Continue reading " Call to abandon biofuels targets "
January 18, 2008
UK set for 15% renewables target
The European Union is expected to tell the UK that 15% of energy needs must be met from renewable sources by 2020.
Continue reading " UK set for 15% renewables target "
January 17, 2008
Solar panels and wind turbines in NI schools
More than £1.3 million is to be invested in renewable energy generation at a total of 35 rural schools in Northern Ireland.
Continue reading " Solar panels and wind turbines in NI schools "
January 15, 2008
Biofuels 'are not a magic bullet'
Biofuels may play a role in curbing climate change, says Britain's Royal Society, but may create environmental problems unless implemented with care.
Continue reading " Biofuels 'are not a magic bullet' "
January 14, 2008
Campaigners strongly opposed to nuclear option
Environment campaign groups have responded furiously to the Government's plans for a new generation of nuclear power stations, while opposition groups are divided on the issue.
Continue reading " Campaigners strongly opposed to nuclear option "
EU rethinks biofuels guidelines
Europe's environment chief has admitted that the EU did not foresee the problems raised by its policy to get 10% of Europe's road fuels from plants.
Continue reading " EU rethinks biofuels guidelines "
Regulator rules out energy probe
Energy regulator Ofgem has said it has no concerns about anti-competitive behaviour in the UK, despite consumers bracing themselves for rising bills.
Continue reading " Regulator rules out energy probe "
January 10, 2008
Nuclear plants set for go-ahead
A new generation of nuclear power stations is expected to get the formal go-ahead from the government later.
Continue reading " Nuclear plants set for go-ahead "
Nuclear a major decision - Brown
The government faces a "major decision" on whether to approve a new generation of nuclear power stations, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told MPs.
Continue reading " Nuclear a major decision - Brown "
January 9, 2008
Cabinet backs nuclear power plan
The Cabinet has agreed in principle to approve a new generation of nuclear power stations, it has emerged.
Continue reading " Cabinet backs nuclear power plan "
January 7, 2008
Darling seeks energy cost talks
Chancellor Alistair Darling has asked to meet with energy regulator Ofgem to discuss last week's gas and electricity price rises by Npower.
Continue reading " Darling seeks energy cost talks "
January 5, 2008
Brown hints at nuclear power plan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has hinted that the government may approve a new generation of nuclear power plants.
Continue reading " Brown hints at nuclear power plan "
January 4, 2008
Second nuclear review criticised
A second public consultation into whether new nuclear stations should be built has "failed", a report suggests.
Continue reading " Second nuclear review criticised "
January 3, 2008
Alaska oil exploration to begin
The US government says it will offer exploration rights for oil and gas in a north-western region of Alaska.
Continue reading " Alaska oil exploration to begin "
December 10, 2007
Wind turbine expansion plans due
All UK homes could be powered by offshore wind farms by 2020 as part of the fight against climate change, under plans being unveiled by John Hutton.
Continue reading " Wind turbine expansion plans due "
December 6, 2007
Tory plans for home power sources
Homeowners would be encouraged to generate their own energy under plans to be announced by the Conservatives.
Continue reading " Tory plans for home power sources "
December 5, 2007
Energy companies 'exploit poor'
Energy companies have been accused by an industry watchdog of exploiting some of the poorest people in society.
Continue reading " Energy companies 'exploit poor' "
November 27, 2007
Google's cheaper-than-coal target
Search giant Google is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in renewable energy technologies.
Continue reading " Google's cheaper-than-coal target "
November 22, 2007
World's largest biomass plant approved
Britain is set to build the world's largest biomass plant after the Government gave the green light to a scheme in south Wales.
Continue reading " World's largest biomass plant approved "
November 8, 2007
Energy needs 'to grow inexorably'
The global demand for energy is set to grow inexorably through to 2030 if governments do not change their policies, warns a top energy official.
Continue reading " Energy needs 'to grow inexorably' "
November 6, 2007
Bills pave way for nuclear power
Energy, planning and climate change bills in the Queen's Speech pave the way for new UK nuclear power stations.
Continue reading " Bills pave way for nuclear power "
New agency will oversee biofuel regulations
A new agency has been created to oversee the introduction of regulations requiring 5% of all fuel sold in the UK by 2010 to come from biofuels.
Continue reading " New agency will oversee biofuel regulations "
November 2, 2007
Blocked development given go ahead after green tweak
Ken Livingstone has withdrawn his opposition to an industrial development after the developers agreed to make the scheme more energy efficient.
Continue reading " Blocked development given go ahead after green tweak "
November 1, 2007
UK energy savings 'miscalculated'
Energy savings in UK households could be up to 30% lower than previously thought, jeopardising efforts to cut the nation's carbon dioxide emissions.
Continue reading " UK energy savings 'miscalculated' "
Biofuel rush harmful, Oxfam warns
The rush for biofuels could harm the world's poorest people, Oxfam has said.
Continue reading " Biofuel rush harmful, Oxfam warns "
UK's first gasification plant will reduce island's landfill
Work has begun on a new £8m plant to convert waste into electricity on the Isle of Wight.
Continue reading " UK's first gasification plant will reduce island's landfill "
October 27, 2007
Biofuels 'crime against humanity'
A United Nations expert has condemned the growing use of crops to produce biofuels as a replacement for petrol as a crime against humanity.
Continue reading " Biofuels 'crime against humanity' "
October 23, 2007
Seven of UK's 16 reactors closed
Nearly half of Britain's nuclear power reactors have been out of action due to breakdowns and maintenance.
Continue reading " Seven of UK's 16 reactors closed "
October 18, 2007
Tapping into NI's steaming asset
A source of geothermal energy found in County Antrim could have the potential to provide heat and electricity for Northern Ireland's towns and cities.
Continue reading " Tapping into NI's steaming asset "
October 17, 2007
How to run your car on chip oil
As oil price and duty rises threaten to push diesel prices beyond the £1-a-litre mark, more of us are finding inventive ways to save money on our transport costs.
Continue reading " How to run your car on chip oil "
UK looks to make Antarctica claim
Britain is looking to claim sovereignty over a large area of the remote seabed off Antarctica.
Continue reading " UK looks to make Antarctica claim "
October 16, 2007
Lula promotes biofuels in Africa
Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva has urged African countries to take up the use of biofuels as a way of improving their economic independence.
Continue reading " Lula promotes biofuels in Africa "
October 12, 2007
China coal output to exceed 2.5b tons in 2007
China is likely to produce over 2.5 billion tons of coal in 2007, up five percent from last year, said Wang Xianzheng, deputy director of the State Administration of Work Safety.
Continue reading " China coal output to exceed 2.5b tons in 2007 "
October 11, 2007
Huge coal contact for Daw Mill
Daw Mill, the UK's biggest colliery, has won a new five-year supply contract with power generator E.ON.
Continue reading " Huge coal contact for Daw Mill "
October 9, 2007
Australia in giant wind farm plan
Plans to build Australia's largest wind farm have been announced by the German company Conergy.
Continue reading " Australia in giant wind farm plan "
Protesters remain at power plant
Five Greenpeace campaigners have spent the night on top of a chimney at a Kent power station to protest against plans for a new coal-fired plant.
Continue reading " Protesters remain at power plant "
October 8, 2007
Protesters raid coal power plant
Greenpeace campaigners have staged a dawn protest at a power plant which could be the site of Britain's first new coal-fired station for 20 years.
Continue reading " Protesters raid coal power plant "
October 5, 2007
Tories promise energy revolution
The Conservatives have promised to start an energy revolution if they win the next General Election.
Continue reading " Tories promise energy revolution "
October 2, 2007
Energy watchdog calls for better service for small firms
Independent watchdog, energywatch, has called for utility suppliers to improve their service to small businesses, after its survey showed that over half of SMEs had received inaccurate bills.
Continue reading " Energy watchdog calls for better service for small firms "
October 1, 2007
Biofuel trial flight set for 747
Air New Zealand says it plans to mount the first test flight of a commercial airliner partially powered by biofuel.
Continue reading " Biofuel trial flight set for 747 "
Advisers endorse tidal power plan
An influential government advisory body has endorsed proposals for a tidal barrage across the Severn estuary.
Continue reading " Advisers endorse tidal power plan "
Tax rise fuels petrol price fears
Petrol prices could surge to near record highs following a 2p rise in fuel duty.
Continue reading " Tax rise fuels petrol price fears "
September 28, 2007
Orkney tidal power plans unveiled
One of the world's largest tidal energy projects has been unveiled off Orkney in a bid to help make Scotland "the energy powerhouse of Europe".
Continue reading " Orkney tidal power plans unveiled "
Switch off for traditional bulbs
Plans to phase out the traditional lightbulb by 2011 have been announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.
Continue reading " Switch off for traditional bulbs "
September 27, 2007
Cost still biggest fuel cell hurdle
Manufacturers and governments have to make fuel cell technology more affordable, according to environment and industry experts.
Continue reading " Cost still biggest fuel cell hurdle "
September 26, 2007
New study for Severn energy plan
The government has announced a fresh feasibility study into the Severn Barrage, a tidal power plan that could provide about 5% of UK electricity.
Continue reading " New study for Severn energy plan "
September 24, 2007
Engineer pioneers cheap solar energy
An engineer in the US has developed solar panels that can produce electricity for roughly the same cost as using nuclear energy or fossil fuels.
Continue reading " Engineer pioneers cheap solar energy "
Clean energy on London curriculum
A scheme set up to enthuse school children about clean energy technologies - and perhaps inspire the engineers of the future - has been launched in the capital.
Continue reading " Clean energy on London curriculum "
September 18, 2007
£6m power station will help planet
A £6 million 'green' power station planned for Coventry could help fight climate change.
Continue reading " £6m power station will help planet "
'World first' wave farm gets green light
The Government has given planning approval for what is being billed as the world's first large-scale wave farm off the coast of Cornwall.
Continue reading " 'World first' wave farm gets green light "
September 17, 2007
Wave hub gets planning go-ahead
The government has given planning approval for the world's first large-scale wave project off the coast of north Cornwall.
Continue reading " Wave hub gets planning go-ahead "
September 14, 2007
Energy efficiency kits for remote Canadian First Nation communities
Thousands of energy conservation kits (ECKs) are being rolled out to hard-to-reach First Nation Communities around the Canadian province of Ontario.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency kits for remote Canadian First Nation communities "
September 13, 2007
Wind Farms to get national code in Australia
In a move to further establish a commitment to developing wind farms, the Australian government appointed a working group whose aim it will be to establish a national code.
Continue reading " Wind Farms to get national code in Australia "
September 10, 2007
Renewable energy creation could alter Severn estuary ecology
Plans to use the Severn Estuary to generate tidal power electricity could cause a conflict between protecting habitat and tackling global warming.
Continue reading " Renewable energy creation could alter Severn estuary ecology "
Solar plane flies into the night
A lightweight solar-powered plane has smashed the official world record for the longest-duration unmanned flight.
Continue reading " Solar plane flies into the night "
September 7, 2007
Greens want 'fair' energy payouts
Householders who generate electricity via solar panels should be paid more by power firms, the Green Party has said.
Continue reading " Greens want 'fair' energy payouts "
Groups pull out of nuclear debate
Green groups have pulled out of the debate over whether the UK should build new nuclear power stations.
Continue reading " Groups pull out of nuclear debate "
September 5, 2007
Warning over new energy contracts
A gas and electricity supplier has been accused of trying to lock-in customers to a one year deal.
Continue reading " Warning over new energy contracts "
UK Coal boosts its profitability
UK Coal has more than doubled its half-year profits, thanks to the increasing profitability of its mines.
Continue reading " UK Coal boosts its profitability "
September 4, 2007
London to tackle energy efficiency in public buildings
The Greater London Authority is planning to upgrade energy efficiency in up to 100 of its buildings - and is inviting contractors to bid for the job.
Continue reading " London to tackle energy efficiency in public buildings "
September 3, 2007
French utility firms agree merger
French utility groups Suez and Gaz de France (GDF) have agreed to merge to create one of the world's largest energy firms, worth 70bn euros (£47bn).
Continue reading " French utility firms agree merger "
August 30, 2007
EU will retain light bulb tariff
The European Commission has decided to retain import tariffs on Chinese-made energy-efficient light bulbs for up to another 12 months.
Continue reading " EU will retain light bulb tariff "
Public backs nuclear energy to help power Britain's future
An overwhelming majority of people believe that nuclear power will have a role to play in meeting Britain's future energy needs, despite continued opposition from environmental campaigners.
Continue reading " Public backs nuclear energy to help power Britain's future "
August 28, 2007
Shoppers 'face meat price rises'
Meat prices are set to increase as farmers pass on the burden of surging costs, a report has suggested.
Continue reading " Shoppers 'face meat price rises' "
August 24, 2007
Panel to boost energy efficiency in Scottish homes
An expert panel has been set up to recommend measures to make houses and buildings in Scotland more energy efficient, it was announced this week.
Continue reading " Panel to boost energy efficiency in Scottish homes "
Biofuel surge - bane or boon?
The rapid growth of global biofuels production may have 'unintended impacts,' a new report suggests.
Continue reading " Biofuel surge - bane or boon? "
August 21, 2007
£400m power station bid approved
Plans for a £400m power station in Newport have been given the go-ahead by the UK government.
Continue reading " £400m power station bid approved "
August 20, 2007
EU biofuel policy is a 'mistake'
The EU target of ensuring 10% of petrol and diesel comes from renewable sources by 2020 is not an effective way to curb carbon emissions, researchers say.
Continue reading " EU biofuel policy is a 'mistake' "
August 15, 2007
Paper battery offers future power
Flexible paper batteries could meet the energy demands of the next generation of gadgets, says a team of researchers.
Continue reading " Paper battery offers future power "
August 6, 2007
American Researchers develop DIY solar panels
It may be as easy as click-and-print when you need a spot of solar energy, according to American researchers who say they've developed an inexpensive solar cell that can be painted or printed on flexible plastic sheets.
Continue reading " American Researchers develop DIY solar panels "
'Over 15,000MW' of wind power installed in 2006
Wind turbines erected around the world last year will produce as much energy as 23 coal-fired power stations, according to analysis by an American think tank.
Continue reading " 'Over 15,000MW' of wind power installed in 2006 "
3,000 black cabs switch to biofuel blend
London's biggest black cab company is fuelling its fleet on a blend of diesel and biofuels.
Continue reading " 3,000 black cabs switch to biofuel blend "
US House passes clean energy bill
The US House of Representatives has passed a radical new energy bill, which aims to expand the use of renewable fuels and cut tax breaks to oil firms.
Continue reading " US House passes clean energy bill "
August 2, 2007
Sheffield excited about bid for hi-tech energy institute
Sheffield University is upbeat about its bid to bring a multimillion pound government energy and environmental research institute to the area.
Continue reading " Sheffield excited about bid for hi-tech energy institute "
August 1, 2007
Solar cell sets efficiency record
Research sponsored by the American military has resulted in a high-performance solar cell that has smashed the previous record for efficiently converting the sun's rays into electricity.
Continue reading " Solar cell sets efficiency record "
Corn wrong route for biofuels claim scientists and NGOs
The American love affair with ethanol derived from corn will ultimately be bad for farming and bad for the environment, according to scientists, campaigners and industry insiders.
Continue reading " Corn wrong route for biofuels claim scientists and NGOs "
July 31, 2007
Photosynthesis could be a key to eco-friendly energy
Understanding how plants use solar energy could play a big role in the future energy supply, claim scientists.
Continue reading " Photosynthesis could be a key to eco-friendly energy "
July 23, 2007
EU energy use continues to grow
Electricity consumption in the EU is growing, despite the extensive efficiency drive being promoted by member states.
Continue reading " EU energy use continues to grow "
July 20, 2007
Ireland to push green energy sector
Ireland is in a strong position to play a central role in the global green energy boom, a government minister believes.
Continue reading " Ireland to push green energy sector "
July 19, 2007
Power cut fears after Japan quake
There are fears of power shortages in Tokyo, as the scale of the earthquake damage to the country's biggest nuclear power station becomes clear.
Continue reading " Power cut fears after Japan quake "
July 13, 2007
Brown has performed public U-turn on nuclear power, says Greenpeace
Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sabotaged public nuclear consultation and acted unlawfully, Greenpeace has declared.
Continue reading " Brown has performed public U-turn on nuclear power, says Greenpeace "
July 11, 2007
Italians facing pasta price rise
Italian pasta manufacturers have warned that the price of pasta, one of Italy's staple foods, will go up by about 20% this autumn.
Continue reading " Italians facing pasta price rise "
July 6, 2007
Biofuels 'to push farm prices up'
The rapidly growing biofuel market will keep farm commodity prices high over the next decade, a key study has said.
Continue reading " Biofuels 'to push farm prices up' "
Good vibes power tiny generator
A tiny generator powered by natural vibrations could soon be helping keep heart pacemakers working.
Continue reading " Good vibes power tiny generator "
July 5, 2007
Gadgets 'threaten energy savings'
The growing popularity of hi-tech devices, such as flat-screen TVs and digital radios, threaten to undermine efforts to save energy, a report says.
Continue reading " Gadgets 'threaten energy savings' "
July 3, 2007
Wind farm 'is threat to eagles'
Golden eagles are gravely threatened by a £200m wind farm scheme proposed for the Hebridean island of Lewis, campaigners have warned.
Continue reading " Wind farm 'is threat to eagles' "
China to search for oil in Sudan
China's biggest oil company CNPC has reached a deal with Sudan to search for oil and gas in the north of the country on the coast of the Red Sea.
Continue reading " China to search for oil in Sudan "
July 2, 2007
McDonald's puts oil to green use
McDonald's is to convert all its UK delivery vehicles to run on biodiesel, using the firm's supply of cooking oil.
Continue reading " McDonald's puts oil to green use "
June 29, 2007
Charity attacks rush for biofuels
A furious attack on the drive to grow more biofuels has been launched by a charity supporting poor farmers in developing countries.
Continue reading " Charity attacks rush for biofuels "
June 28, 2007
Climate change is greatest challenge Welsh Coastline
Renewable energy could play a big role in saving Wales' coastline whose greatest current challenge is climate change, according to the Welsh Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development
Continue reading " Climate change is greatest challenge Welsh Coastline "
June 27, 2007
Protests at Iran fuel rationing
Iranian motorists have reacted with fury after the government announced fuel rationing for private vehicles.
Continue reading " Protests at Iran fuel rationing "
Monitors 'to see N Korea reactor'
A team of UN nuclear inspectors will soon be allowed to visit the North Korean reactor at the centre of a key disarmament deal, reports say.
Continue reading " Monitors 'to see N Korea reactor' "
Russia eyes vast Arctic territory
Russian geologists say they have data that would support a claim to about 1.2m sq km (463,000 sq miles) of energy-rich territory in the Arctic.
Continue reading " Russia eyes vast Arctic territory "
Government consults on cap and trade
Consultation has begun on plans to introduce a cap and trade scheme to cover some of the UK's most energy intensive industries.
Continue reading " Government consults on cap and trade "
June 25, 2007
HIPs to become law on August 1st
The Government has now laid the two sets of revised regulations necessary to deliver energy performance certificates (EPCs) and home information packs (HIPs) into the housing market on 1 August 2007.
Continue reading " HIPs to become law on August 1st "
June 21, 2007
Fruit could make 'powerful fuel'
The sugar found in fruit such as apples and oranges can be converted into a new type of low carbon fuel for cars, US scientists have said.
Continue reading " Fruit could make 'powerful fuel' "
June 19, 2007
Huge oilfield discovered in Ghana
UK firm Tullow Oil has announced the discovery of 600 million barrels of light oil offshore from Ghana.
Continue reading " Huge oilfield discovered in Ghana "
June 18, 2007
Cities' carbon footprint mapped out
Interactive maps showing the total carbon emissions of over 30 British towns and cities, as well as outlining what proportion of the CO2 is produced by businesses, have been produced by the Carbon Trust.
Continue reading " Cities' carbon footprint mapped out "
Taskforce claims UK energy policy is "hotch-potch"
A new report by a high-level taskforce, chaired by the Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Lord Patten of Barnes, claims that the present UK energy policy is a "hotch-potch" of measures unlikely to deliver, and that change is needed with respect to policy on energy security, climate change and development aid.
Continue reading " Taskforce claims UK energy policy is "hotch-potch" "
June 15, 2007
Al Gore to present green awards
Eight UK green energy companies and a host of international contenders - from Tanzania to Peru - have made the finalist list for the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, which will take place in London on June 21st.
Continue reading " Al Gore to present green awards "
June 14, 2007
Swinging wave device to be tested
A wave energy system which operates at least six metres (19ft) below the sea's surface will be tested off Orkney.
Continue reading " Swinging wave device to be tested "
Water wheel plan for River Mersey
Proposals for a giant water wheel stretching across the River Mersey are due to be revealed.
Continue reading " Water wheel plan for River Mersey "
June 8, 2007
Wireless energy promise powers up
A clean-cut vision of a future freed from the rat's nest of cables needed to power today's electronic gadgets has come one step closer to reality.
Continue reading " Wireless energy promise powers up "
June 7, 2007
First UK biodiesel train launched
The UK's first train to run on biodiesel is going into service as part of an attempt to make rail travel more environmentally friendly.
Continue reading " First UK biodiesel train launched "
June 4, 2007
Small firms urged to ignore ‘win-back’ energy contracts
Energywatch, the independent energy watchdog, is warning small businesses to ignore ‘win-back’ energy contracts or risk facing court action.
Continue reading " Small firms urged to ignore ‘win-back’ energy contracts "
June 1, 2007
Nuclear reactor secrets revealed
Instructions on how to build a nuclear reactor have been revealed from five sealed envelopes that have lain hidden for almost 70 years.
Continue reading " Nuclear reactor secrets revealed "
May 15, 2007
Coal 'can be clean and reliable'
New technology means coal can be both a clean and secure source of energy, according to a UK think-tank report.
Continue reading " Coal 'can be clean and reliable' "
May 11, 2007
Green light for home energy rating software
The software used to calculate the energy performance of buildings has been approved as the UK prepares to implement energy ratings for homes sold across England and Wales.
Continue reading " Green light for home energy rating software "
May 10, 2007
Grants cut for home energy scheme
The government's decision to reduce individual grants for homeowners wanting to produce their own renewable energy has been criticised.
Continue reading " Grants cut for home energy scheme "
May 9, 2007
UN warns on impacts of biofuels
A UN report warns that a hasty switch to biofuels could have major impacts on livelihoods and the environment.
Continue reading " UN warns on impacts of biofuels "
May 8, 2007
Coconut oil powers island's cars
People on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea have found their own solution to high energy prices - the humble coconut.
Continue reading " Coconut oil powers island's cars "
May 3, 2007
Garage biofuel pumps called for
The UK needs a biofuel pump on every forecourt to help achieve a new EU green power target, according to the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
Continue reading " Garage biofuel pumps called for "
Foster's hops on green bandwagon
Australian brewer Foster's has teamed up with scientists to create the world's first "beer battery".
Continue reading " Foster's hops on green bandwagon "
April 30, 2007
Solar loans light up rural India
More than 100,000 people in rural India have benefited from an innovative loan scheme that helps families buy home solar power systems, the UN has said.
Continue reading " Solar loans light up rural India "
April 20, 2007
Grants to cut home energy waste
House-buyers purchasing the most energy-wasteful properties could get grants of up to £2,700 to improve energy efficiency, the Government has said.
Continue reading " Grants to cut home energy waste "
Oil billions beckon Falkland Islands
If you believe the oil men, the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands could soon become among the richest people in the world.
Continue reading " Oil billions beckon Falkland Islands "
Surge in British Gas complaints
British Gas has seen complaints from customers more than double since last year, according to Energywatch.
Continue reading " Surge in British Gas complaints "
Surge in British Gas complaints
British Gas has seen complaints from customers more than double since last year, according to Energywatch.
Continue reading " Surge in British Gas complaints "
April 19, 2007
Pig fat to be turned into diesel
A solution for the world's energy crisis may come in the form of a pig.
Continue reading " Pig fat to be turned into diesel "
April 16, 2007
Homes to get free energy monitors
Every household in the UK will be able to request a free device that shows how much electricity is being used in the home at any one particular moment.
Continue reading " Homes to get free energy monitors "
April 4, 2007
Planning law eased for turbines
Installing wind turbines and solar panels on homes should not necessarily require planning permission, the government has suggested.
Continue reading " Planning law eased for turbines "
April 3, 2007
EU fuel push 'may damage forests'
Oil firms have warned that European Union plans on biofuels could damage the world's rainforests.
Continue reading " EU fuel push 'may damage forests' "
April 2, 2007
EU targets hit UK energy strategy
Britain's energy plans have been thrown into disarray by ambitious European Union targets.
Continue reading " EU targets hit UK energy strategy "
March 29, 2007
Cameron forced to remove turbine
Conservative leader David Cameron has had to remove his wind turbine from his west London home's roof because it was put up in the wrong place.
Continue reading " Cameron forced to remove turbine "
Push to exploit English woodfuel
A plan has been launched in England to boost the supply of woodfuel.
Continue reading " Push to exploit English woodfuel "
Portugal opens major solar plant
Portugal has inaugurated what it says is the world's most powerful solar power plant.
Continue reading " Portugal opens major solar plant "
March 26, 2007
Both public and private money needed to deliver clean energy
Partnerships between the private and public sector will be needed if the world's future energy needs are to be met using environmentally sustainable technologies, according to a coterie of international development banks.
Continue reading " Both public and private money needed to deliver clean energy "
March 13, 2007
Coal power station plan unveiled
An energy firm has unveiled plans to build the first new coal-fired power station in the UK for 20 years.
Continue reading " Coal power station plan unveiled "
March 12, 2007
Green energy funding boost for developing countries
Renewables and energy efficiency projects in the developing world are to receive a 3 million euro funding boost through the REEEP partnership, which announced its largest project call yet this week.
Continue reading " Green energy funding boost for developing countries "
US time switch set to save energy
The US has switched to daylight saving time, or summer time, three weeks earlier than usual to cut fuel consumption and help the environment.
Continue reading " US time switch set to save energy "
EU agrees renewable energy target
European Union leaders have agreed to adopt a binding target on the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, officials say.
Continue reading " EU agrees renewable energy target "
March 6, 2007
Wind turbines save '£10 a year'
Many people would save just £10 a year on their electricity bill by installing a wind turbine on their roof, according to a leading turbine technology firm.
Continue reading " Wind turbines save '£10 a year' "
March 1, 2007
Petrol retailers say fuel is safe
Petrol retailers have insisted that their fuel is safe, despite hundreds of complaints that cars have broken down after leaving forecourts.
Continue reading " Petrol retailers say fuel is safe "
February 22, 2007
Government pressed on energy efficiency
Business leaders, environmentalists and MPs are calling on the Government to take action to ensure its dream of energy efficiency becomes a solid reality.
Continue reading " Government pressed on energy efficiency "
February 20, 2007
Orkney to get 'biggest' wave farm
Scottish ministers have announced funding for what has been described as the world's biggest wave energy farm.
Continue reading " Orkney to get 'biggest' wave farm "
February 16, 2007
Blair defiant over nuclear plans
Tony Blair has said he is still firmly behind the construction of new nuclear power stations, despite losing a High Court battle with Greenpeace.
Continue reading " Blair defiant over nuclear plans "
February 14, 2007
Mobile networks powered by wind
Wind and solar energy could be used to set up mobile phone networks in rural areas of the world without power.
Continue reading " Mobile networks powered by wind "
February 13, 2007
SunFuel to shine on VW range
This eco-friendly pump might seem corny, but biofuel made from straw, hay and even wood is on its wayThis eco-friendly pump might seem corny, but biofuel made from straw, hay and even wood is on its way
Continue reading " SunFuel to shine on VW range "
February 12, 2007
Retailers call for tax cuts on energy-efficient products
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued a statement calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, to promote the take-up of green technology by lowering VAT on energy-efficient products, such as low-carbon light-bulbs.
Continue reading " Retailers call for tax cuts on energy-efficient products "
February 9, 2007
Oil prices back above $60 again
Oil prices have rebounded above $60 after a fire at a US oilfield and amid the continuing cold snap there.
Continue reading " Oil prices back above $60 again "
UK wind power reaches milestone
The UK is about to become only the seventh nation in the world to have more than two gigawatts (GW) of operational wind power capacity.
Continue reading " UK wind power reaches milestone "
February 8, 2007
British Gas cuts domestic prices
British Gas has said it will reduce its gas and electricity prices next month.
Continue reading " British Gas cuts domestic prices "
February 2, 2007
Europe to clean up transport fuels
Europe is set to clean up transport fuels by introducing new standards for carbon content in diesel and petrol, the European Commission said on Wednesday.
Continue reading " Europe to clean up transport fuels "
January 31, 2007
Probe into bid for Scottish Power
The European Commission is investigating the proposed £11.6bn takeover of Scottish Power by the Spanish firm Iberdrola.
Continue reading " Probe into bid for Scottish Power "
January 24, 2007
Bush critics seek more energy action
President George W Bush - an oilman by trade - surprised many people last year with his frank declaration that America was "addicted to oil", and that the country needed to break that addiction.
Continue reading " Bush critics seek more energy action "
January 23, 2007
First EU sustainable energy week
Backed by the European Commission, the first EU Sustainable Energy Week will run from 29 January to 2 February this year under the umbrella of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign.
Continue reading " First EU sustainable energy week "
January 17, 2007
Four million switch energy supply
More than four million people switched their electricity or gas supplier last year, energy regulator Ofgem has said.
Continue reading " Four million switch energy supply "
January 15, 2007
Asian states sign key energy deal
Leaders at an East Asian summit have signed an agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote bio-fuels.
Continue reading " Asian states sign key energy deal "
January 12, 2007
Healthy stocks send oil tumbling
Mild weather and a rise in stockpiles of heating oil and petrol pushed oil prices beneath the $52-a-barrel mark for the first time since May 2005.
Continue reading " Healthy stocks send oil tumbling "
January 11, 2007
Germany may retain nuclear power
Senior members of Germany's government have suggested retaining nuclear power as a way of diversifying the country's sources of energy.
Continue reading " Germany may retain nuclear power "
Gas firms 'need tougher targets'
The gas regulator Ofgem should "focus on getting the best deal for customers" by setting companies more "challenging efficiency targets", MPs have said.
Continue reading " Gas firms 'need tougher targets' "
January 10, 2007
Belarus 'agrees Russian oil deal'
Belarus says it has found a compromise deal in an oil row with Russia that had threatened European crude supplies.
Continue reading " Belarus 'agrees Russian oil deal' "
January 9, 2007
EU bids to defuse Russia oil row
The European Union (EU) is to hold talks with Russia and Belarus in a bid to resolve a row which has led to a cut in oil supplies to much of Europe.
Continue reading " EU bids to defuse Russia oil row "
December 18, 2006
Carbon moves 'may boost airlines'
Airlines could reap billions of pounds in profits if emissions from planes are included in the European Trading Scheme (ETS), say two reports.
Continue reading " Carbon moves 'may boost airlines' "
Offshore wind farms get go-ahead
The green light has been given for two offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary, one of which will be the world's biggest when it is completed.
Continue reading " Offshore wind farms get go-ahead "
Green light for offshore windfarms
Two offshore wind farms totalling 1.3GW are to be built in the Thames Estuary after consent for the projects was granted on Monday.
Continue reading " Green light for offshore windfarms "
December 15, 2006
Centrica to cut retail gas bills
British Gas owner Centrica plans to cut retail gas prices in spring 2007 after a fall in wholesale costs.
Continue reading " Centrica to cut retail gas bills "
December 12, 2006
Revised wind farm plans unveiled
The company behind the UK's largest onshore wind farm project - proposed for the Hebridean island of Lewis - has unveiled revised plans for the scheme.
Continue reading " Revised wind farm plans unveiled "
November 28, 2006
Nottingham uni launches green tech research wing
The University of Nottingham is launching a research institute dedicated to developing clean energy technologies.
Continue reading " Nottingham uni launches green tech research wing "
Tyre protest goes to House of Lords
Determined campaigners fighting controversial tyre burning at a Warwickshire cement plant are taking their battle to the highest court in the land.
Continue reading " Tyre protest goes to House of Lords "
November 27, 2006
Family's wind turbine stirs up row
A row has blown up over plans for the first wind turbine to be stuck on the roof of a Coventry house.
Continue reading " Family's wind turbine stirs up row "
November 22, 2006
Intel beats drum for energy efficiency
In the wake of the Stern Report, businesses are starting to take energy efficiency seriously as an economic issue, but research from Intel suggests there is still some way to go before this concern filters down to the IT department.
Continue reading " Intel beats drum for energy efficiency "
November 21, 2006
Ministers to sign fusion accord
An international consortium is set to sign a formal agreement to build an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.
Continue reading " Ministers to sign fusion accord "
November 16, 2006
Biofuel market 'grew fivefold in a year'
The bio-fuel market is expanding rapidly, with a fivefold rise in sales between 2004-2005, the Government said as it reviewed its non-food crops strategy.
Continue reading " Biofuel market 'grew fivefold in a year' "
November 14, 2006
Large companies to be told to get energy efficient
While the EU's Emissions Trading System encourages energy-intensive industry to tackle its carbon output, there are relatively few incentives to persuade other large organisations to do the same.
Continue reading " Large companies to be told to get energy efficient "
November 7, 2006
World risks 'dirty' energy future
The world could be dependent on "dirty, insecure and expensive" energy by 2030, an influential report has warned.
Continue reading " World risks 'dirty' energy future "
November 3, 2006
Average gas bill 'up by a third'
The average domestic gas bill has risen by more than a third in the past year, a survey of energy consumers suggests.
Continue reading " Average gas bill 'up by a third' "
November 2, 2006
Government seeks boost for local energy
A radical shift away from large centralised power production to community based 'locally grown' energy could help cut carbon emissions and improve efficiency, Alistair Darling said today.
Continue reading " Government seeks boost for local energy "
November 1, 2006
Oil prices dip despite Opec cuts
Oil prices have fallen in early Wednesday trading, despite the start of agreed production cuts by members of the Opec oil producers' cartel.
Continue reading " Oil prices dip despite Opec cuts "
October 23, 2006
Britain tops energy waste league
Britain is Europe's worst energy waster, with bad habits such as leaving appliances on stand-by set to waste £11bn by 2010, a study has claimed.
Continue reading " Britain tops energy waste league "
October 22, 2006
UK 'has squandered oil revenues'
The government has been accused of "squandering" the windfalls of the country's now dwindling North Sea oil and gas reserves.
Continue reading " UK 'has squandered oil revenues' "
October 20, 2006
Buying a wind turbine should be as easy as buying a sofa - Minister
The public should be able to buy their own wind turbines on the never-never, to take the financial sting out of their installation, according to the Government Minister responsible for climate change issues.
Continue reading " Buying a wind turbine should be as easy as buying a sofa - Minister "
EU to discuss energy with Putin
European Union leaders are meeting in southern Finland to discuss how to ensure stable supplies of energy.
Continue reading " EU to discuss energy with Putin "
October 19, 2006
EU sets "ambitious" energy goals
An action plan to cut Europe's energy consumption by 20% before 2020 has been outlined by the European Commission.
Continue reading " EU sets "ambitious" energy goals "
Clean coal 'both green and competitive'
The EU reiterated its support for carbon capture and storage this week when energy commissioner Andris Pielbalgs visited a clean coal plant in Italy, praising the technology's combination of green credentials with economic competitiveness.
Continue reading " Clean coal 'both green and competitive' "
October 17, 2006
Leaks knock British Energy shares
British Energy shares have lost 24% in value after the firm found cracks in pipes at one of its nuclear reactors.
Continue reading " Leaks knock British Energy shares "
October 13, 2006
Row over renewable energy scheme
A renewable energy scheme is being funded by cuts from other projects designed to promote household energy efficiency, the BBC has learned.
Continue reading " Row over renewable energy scheme "
October 11, 2006
Energy firm rapped over carbon offset claims
Scottish & Southern Energy Group has become the first energy company to be hauled over the coals by the Advertising Standards Authority for failing to be able to back up claims that its green tariff offset its customers' carbon emissions.
Continue reading " Energy firm rapped over carbon offset claims "
October 10, 2006
Ground-breaking day for Green Energy - Darling
Construction today started on what will be Europe's largest onshore wind farm, as the Government set out proposals outlined in the Energy Review to see a five-fold increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in the UK.
Continue reading " Ground-breaking day for Green Energy - Darling "
October 6, 2006
BP and Shell fined for dirty fuel
European energy giants BP and Shell have agreed to pay fines totalling $1.5 million to the USA's Environmental Protection Agency after distributing petrol that did not meet legal pollution standards.
Continue reading " BP and Shell fined for dirty fuel "
October 1, 2006
Renewables ripe for investment
An impressive line-up of speakers outlined a compelling case for investing in the blossoming renewables sector at an international conference in London this week.
Continue reading " Renewables ripe for investment "
September 28, 2006
Engine on a chip drives laptops
It is one of the most hotly contested and closely watched areas of research - how to provide the most efficient energy source for the mobile devices we carry with us.
Continue reading " Engine on a chip drives laptops "
September 26, 2006
Biofuels 'answer' to trade talks
US tycoon Ted Turner has said a focus on biofuels could break the current deadlock stalling world trade talks.
Continue reading " Biofuels 'answer' to trade talks "
September 25, 2006
Oil continues its slide below $60
World oil prices have fallen below $60 a barrel for the first time in more than six months as their dramatic slide of recent weeks has continued.
Continue reading " Oil continues its slide below $60 "
September 22, 2006
Energy company scores top marks in green consumer guide
Renewable energy supplier Good Energy was the only company scoring 100% in the latest edition of ethical consumer bible the Green Shopping Guide, published this week.
Continue reading " Energy company scores top marks in green consumer guide "
September 21, 2006
Top scientists challenge oil giant on climate change denial
Britain's top scientific institution has accused US oil giant ExxonMobil of deliberately undermining the scientific consensus on climate change in its own communications and by funding organisations that mislead the public.
Continue reading " Top scientists challenge oil giant on climate change denial "
September 20, 2006
Ethanol faces uphill road in US
The United States produces almost half of the world's maize, or corn, harvest - most of it in the Midwest. It is used for food, animal feed and, increasingly, it is converted into ethanol fuel.
Continue reading " Ethanol faces uphill road in US "
September 19, 2006
Britain 'lagging behind' on biofuels
The Government is not giving bio-energy a chance to fulfil its carbon-saving potential with a "piecemeal policy" that ignores bio-mass heat generation and focuses solely on bio-fuels for transport and electricity, a parliamentary committee has said.
Continue reading " Britain 'lagging behind' on biofuels "
September 18, 2006
UK 'lacks ambition' on bioenergy
British policies on bioenergy from plants and other natural materials lack ambition and clarity, MPs have said.
Continue reading " UK 'lacks ambition' on bioenergy "
Two billion households worldwide could be solar powered
Two billion households worldwide could realistically be powered by solar energy by 2025, according to a joint report launched today by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) and Greenpeace.
Continue reading " Two billion households worldwide could be solar powered "
September 16, 2006
Solar panels to power London's City Hall
Photovoltaic panels will be the latest addition to London City Hall's eco-credentials, after their installation was given the go-ahead by Southwark Council.
Continue reading " Solar panels to power London's City Hall "
September 13, 2006
Gasification plant debate heats up
The Green Party plans to take its fight against a proposed gasification plant to the wire as it argues against the installation at the final planning hearing this week.
Continue reading " Gasification plant debate heats up "
September 12, 2006
Semiconductors giant enters solar market
Global semiconductor equipment firm Applied Materials announced its entry onto the photovoltaics market, which it says is at an "inflexion point," predicting that costs of solar panels will reduce threefold by 2010.
Continue reading " Semiconductors giant enters solar market "
September 6, 2006
Trade unions go green
The TUC is asking union members to do their bit for the environment and has published a ten-step guide as a starting place for reducing waste and energy consumption in the workplace.
Continue reading " Trade unions go green "
Investment boost for Scottish renewables firms
Public and private finance is to be poured into the development of the Scottish renewables sector to help the northern nation stay ahead of the game.
Continue reading " Investment boost for Scottish renewables firms "
September 4, 2006
Start to British Gas price rises
Millions of UK homes are facing higher gas and electricity bills as the latest price increases from British Gas have come into effect.
Continue reading " Start to British Gas price rises "
Germany warms to nuclear
The debate over the future of nuclear power in Germany is heating up once again following a clash between the economy and environment ministers over the nuclear phase-out promised by the previous government.
Continue reading " Germany warms to nuclear "
September 3, 2006
Scotland vows support for wave power
Wave energy in Scotland received a boost this week with the Scottish Executive's announcement that it will support a major project that will see Scottish-made Polemis devices installed in Orkney.
Continue reading " Scotland vows support for wave power "
August 31, 2006
Power station protesters arrested
Four campaigners have been arrested ahead of a "mass day of action" against carbon emissions at Britain's largest coal-fired power station.
Continue reading " Power station protesters arrested "
August 30, 2006
Coal keeps US economy burning
The United States is the world's most powerful economy, but much of that power is derived from rather old-fashioned sources.
Continue reading " Coal keeps US economy burning "
August 29, 2006
Farmers to harvest energy with mini wind turbines
Farmers could be planting rows of mini-wind turbines in hedgerows soon, as part of an innovative project to harness the countryside's wind energy while avoiding the usual objections over 'unsightliness.'
Continue reading " Farmers to harvest energy with mini wind turbines "
August 26, 2006
Nuclear fuel demand on the rise
The demand for nuclear material is pushing up prices of uranium ore, while illicit trafficking in radioactive materials is rising, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Continue reading " Nuclear fuel demand on the rise "
August 24, 2006
2005 a bumper year for renewables investment
More cash was ploughed in the renewable energy sector last year than in any other, with 2005 seeing an investment of US$8bn more than during the previous 12 months.
Continue reading " 2005 a bumper year for renewables investment "
August 21, 2006
Turbines wind up as art installation
A Cornish wind farm is set to delight its fans - and horrify its detractors - by temporarily transformation into a work of art.
Continue reading " Turbines wind up as art installation "
Chinese boomtown makes solar heating the law
Solar powered heating systems for new residential buildings will become a legal obligation in the Chinese boom city of Shenzhen, as authorities attempt to harness the region's annual 2000 hours of sunshine.
Continue reading " Chinese boomtown makes solar heating the law "
Nuclear clean-up costs escalate further
The bill for the decommissioning and clean-up of Britain's aging nuclear plants is likely to "significantly" exceed current estimates, a Government committee has said.
Continue reading " Nuclear clean-up costs escalate further "
August 17, 2006
Powergen increases energy prices
Energy company Powergen has said it is putting up its gas and electricity prices for the second time this year.
Continue reading " Powergen increases energy prices "
August 14, 2006
Cornish wind fair hopes to draw thousands
Promoting renewable energy and raising awareness of climate change will be the goal of a free event planned in Cornwall over the bank holiday weekend.
Continue reading " Cornish wind fair hopes to draw thousands "
August 9, 2006
Bio-fuels clean up American wastelands
The potential of biofuel crops to grow on brownfield sites, with the added bonus of the plants sucking up pollutants, could help find more efficient ways of producing biodiesel and ethanol.
Continue reading " Bio-fuels clean up American wastelands "
Sweden's nuclear scare sparks
The recent incident at a nuclear reactor in Sweden where back-up generators failed during a power cut has sparked protests and debate about the future of Europe's nuclear industry.
Continue reading " Sweden's nuclear scare sparks "
August 8, 2006
Huge returns for energy efficiency investment
Global investment of US$700 billion into energy efficiency over the next 25 years could reap returns in excess of US$1.4 trillion, according to top energy economists.
Continue reading " Huge returns for energy efficiency investment "
August 3, 2006
India, UK climb E&Y's renewables ranking
India has become the world's third most attractive market for renewable energy investment, displacing Germany in the top three, according to Ernst & Young.
Continue reading " India, UK climb E&Y's renewables ranking "
August 2, 2006
High street solar panels on sale
A major British electrical retailer is selling solar panels in high street shops for the first time.
Continue reading " High street solar panels on sale "
July 29, 2006
VAT rules hit Energy Saving Trust
A UK body which advises households on reducing energy consumption says it may have to cut jobs and cancel projects because of a new tax ruling.
Continue reading " VAT rules hit Energy Saving Trust "
July 28, 2006
GE and BP to build up to 15 hydrogen power plants
Oil giant BP and General Electric are to work together to develop between 10 and 15 hydrogen power stations with carbon capture and storage.
Continue reading " GE and BP to build up to 15 hydrogen power plants "
July 27, 2006
British Gas raises energy prices
British Gas owner Centrica has said it plans to raise gas bills by as much as 12.4% for its 10.7 million customers.
Continue reading " British Gas raises energy prices "
July 25, 2006
Energy prices rise at EDF Energy
EDF Energy is to raise the price of gas and electricity for its five million customers, as it has been affected by rising wholesale energy costs.
Continue reading " Energy prices rise at EDF Energy "
July 24, 2006
Researchers drop fuel cell bomb shell
One of the UK's biggest funders of economic research has backed a report which claims development of fuel cells is being stifled because car manufacturers and power generators are scared of the long-term implications.
Continue reading " Researchers drop fuel cell bomb shell "
July 18, 2006
Serpentine solar boat to set sail
A shuttle boat powered entirely by the sun is to be launched on the Serpentine lake in London's Hyde Park.
Continue reading " Serpentine solar boat to set sail "
July 17, 2006
Energy moves up the agenda for SMEs
As prices continue to rise and a secure, reliable supply becomes less of a certainty, small business is turning its attention to energy issues - and hoping the energy review will not leave it out in the cold.
Continue reading " Energy moves up the agenda for SMEs "
July 14, 2006
Israel crisis sends oil above $78
Growing international tension over Israel's offensive in Lebanon has sent world markets tumbling after oil prices rose above $78 a barrel.
Continue reading " Israel crisis sends oil above $78 "
July 13, 2006
'Global fear' over energy plans
People fear energy policies are threatening the environment and global stability, a BBC poll suggests.
Continue reading " 'Global fear' over energy plans "
July 12, 2006
Few surprises from Energy Review
A new generation of nuclear power stations and measures to boost renewables are, as widely predicted, at the heart of the Government's Energy Review.
Continue reading " Few surprises from Energy Review "
July 11, 2006
Nuclear plants set for go ahead
A new generation of nuclear power stations is expected to be given the green light as the government unveils the results of its energy review.
Continue reading " Nuclear plants set for go ahead "
July 10, 2006
Hong Kong wind farm could improve air quality
A 100MW offshore wind farm could go some way towards combating Hong Kong's terrible air pollution, according to the company that wants to build it.
Continue reading " Hong Kong wind farm could improve air quality "
'Deeply flawed' Renewables Obligations need revision says Carbon Trust
A drastic overhaul of the existing Renewables Obligation system is needed to redress weighting in favour of onshore wind power and landfill gas, according to climate change quango the Carbon Trust.
Continue reading " 'Deeply flawed' Renewables Obligations need revision says Carbon Trust "
July 6, 2006
UK 'lagging' on renewable energy
Renewable energy will meet only 10% of the UK's power needs by 2020 - half the government's target - according to a report from a government-funded group.
Continue reading " UK 'lagging' on renewable energy "
Nuclear 'last resort' for Tories
The Tories have said nuclear power should be used only as "a last resort" to supply the UK's energy requirements.
Continue reading " Nuclear 'last resort' for Tories "
July 5, 2006
Electronic goods guzzling power
The amount of energy used by consumer electronics and domestic appliances in UK homes will double by 2010, said a report from the Energy Saving Trust.
Continue reading " Electronic goods guzzling power "
Reactor crack fears played down
The government's nuclear inspectors have played down reports of "major cracks" in the reactor cores of some UK atomic power stations.
Continue reading " Reactor crack fears played down "
July 3, 2006
DTI publishes renewables figures
Renewables provided 4.2% of electricity generated in Britain in 2005 - up from 3.6% the previous year - Government figures released on Thursday show.
Continue reading " DTI publishes renewables figures "
June 29, 2006
Lighting the key to energy saving
A global switch to efficient lighting systems would trim the world's electricity bill by nearly one-tenth.
Continue reading " Lighting the key to energy saving "
2006 a boom year for investment in renewable energy
Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly popular commodity to invest in, according to a new trend analysis from UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Continue reading " 2006 a boom year for investment in renewable energy "
June 27, 2006
Ofgem plans £4bn energy upgrade
UK energy regulator Ofgem has said gas and electricity network operators should invest £4bn over the next five years to meet rising demand.
Continue reading " Ofgem plans £4bn energy upgrade "
June 23, 2006
Wind farm 'hits eagle numbers'
Wind farm turbine blades are killing a key population of Europe's largest bird of prey, UK wildlife campaigners warn.
Continue reading " Wind farm 'hits eagle numbers' "
June 22, 2006
Mapping out the UK's nuclear future
Next month, Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to make public Britain's intention to invite the private sector to build a series of new nuclear power plants.
Continue reading " Mapping out the UK's nuclear future "
June 19, 2006
New tidal generator could mean cheaper electricity
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new kind of marine generator they say could substantially reduce the cost of electricity generated from tidal power.
Continue reading " New tidal generator could mean cheaper electricity "
Russia's nuclear expansion plans cause alarm
Russia wants to build up to four nuclear reactors a year as it replaces aging nuclear power stations, the head of the country's nuclear energy agency Rosatom has said.
Continue reading " Russia's nuclear expansion plans cause alarm "
Better house insulation could save Europeans billions
Improved energy efficiency in buildings could save Europeans an annual 270bn euros in heating bills, according to a report from the European Insulation Manufacturers Association (EURIMA).
Continue reading " Better house insulation could save Europeans billions "
June 17, 2006
Renewables in demand - BP energy review
Renewable energies continued to grow rapidly in 2005, but still only comprise 3% of the world's total primary energy consumption, the BP Statistical Review of World Energy found.
Continue reading " Renewables in demand - BP energy review "
June 15, 2006
Firms 'to waste £500m of energy'
UK businesses will waste more than £500m worth of energy over the summer months, a report has said.
Continue reading " Firms 'to waste £500m of energy' "
June 13, 2006
Energy bills push up UK inflation
Higher gas and electricity bills helped to push UK inflation up to 2.2% in May, from 2% the month before, official figures have shown.
Continue reading " Energy bills push up UK inflation "
June 9, 2006
France and UK boost nuclear ties
France and the UK are to set up a joint nuclear energy forum, French President Jacques Chirac has announced at a summit with Tony Blair in Paris.
Continue reading " France and UK boost nuclear ties "
June 8, 2006
Portugal starts huge solar plant
Construction work has begun in southern Portugal on what is set to be the world's largest solar power station.
Continue reading " Portugal starts huge solar plant "
June 7, 2006
Three Gorges barrier demolished
Chinese engineers have demolished the temporary barrier behind the Three Gorges dam, in a spectacular explosion.
Continue reading " Three Gorges barrier demolished "
May 29, 2006
Higher nuclear usage recommended
Nuclear power should supply around 30% of Britain's energy needs, tackling the impact of climate change, Tony Blair's chief scientific adviser suggests.
Continue reading " Higher nuclear usage recommended "
May 25, 2006
Funding boost for Scottish microgeneration
Microgeneration in Scotland will receive a boost of £3m over the next two years - a 60% increase on previous years - Scottish authorities said on Tuesday.
Continue reading " Funding boost for Scottish microgeneration "
May 22, 2006
Three Gorges dam wall completed
China has completed construction of the main wall of the Three Gorges Dam - the world's largest hydro-electric project.
Continue reading " Three Gorges dam wall completed "
Total signs Saudi refinery deal
French oil firm Total has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to build an oil refinery, at an estimated cost of $6bn.
Continue reading " Total signs Saudi refinery deal "
May 17, 2006
Ex-minister hits out at nuclear
Ex-Labour environment minister Elliot Morley has rejected the case for a new generation of nuclear plants after Tony Blair indicated his backing.
Continue reading " Ex-minister hits out at nuclear "
Blair backs nuclear power plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given his strongest signal yet that he backs the building of a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK.
Continue reading " Blair backs nuclear power plans "
May 12, 2006
Cutting edge method to make energy from landfill more efficient
Producing energy from organic landfill waste could be made more efficient thanks to new research into pyrolysis, a way of melting waste down into fuel without exposing it to flames.
Continue reading " Cutting edge method to make energy from landfill more efficient "
May 11, 2006
Bolivia 'to compensate Petrobras'
Bolivia's state-owned energy firm has said Brazil's Petrobras should be compensated after the government seized greater control of energy resources.
Continue reading " Bolivia 'to compensate Petrobras' "
May 8, 2006
Giant scale is weak spot of nuclear power
The giant time and investment scales involved in nuclear power put it at an economic disadvantage in relation to renewables, a veteran Government advisor has said.
Continue reading " Giant scale is weak spot of nuclear power "
April 28, 2006
Ministers bullish on biomass fuel
The UK government says energy from crops, trees and waste can play a key role in meeting targets on renewable power and cutting CO2 emissions.
Continue reading " Ministers bullish on biomass fuel "
April 21, 2006
Cameron proposes new carbon tax
The energy tax on business should be replaced with a levy focused on cutting use of carbon fuels, Tory leader David Cameron is due to say.
Continue reading " Cameron proposes new carbon tax "
April 18, 2006
Nuclear row sends oil to new high
Oil prices have hit a record high of $70.86 a barrel, fuelled by growing fears over Iran's nuclear standoff with the international community.
Continue reading " Nuclear row sends oil to new high "
April 16, 2006
Power shortage risks 'overplayed'
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has accused a group of MPs of "over-egging" the risk of electricity shortages.
Continue reading " Power shortage risks 'overplayed' "
April 12, 2006
Oil tops $69 amid Iran tensions
Crude prices have broken through the $69 a barrel level amid rising fears of a conflict between the US and Iran.
Continue reading " Oil tops $69 amid Iran tensions "
April 11, 2006
EU turning Balkans into fossil fuel highway, say NGOs
The EU is encouraging dirty energy production by funding oil pipelines and fossil fuel power stations in the Balkans, an international group of NGOs said.
Continue reading " EU turning Balkans into fossil fuel highway, say NGOs "
April 10, 2006
Spain seen as renewables honeypot by investors
The UK has slid down the league table while Spain retains the top spot as the most attractive bet when it comes to investing in renewable energy.
Continue reading " Spain seen as renewables honeypot by investors "
April 6, 2006
Energy companies dominate eco-sector
Renewable energy companies continue to take the lion's share of the top spots in an economic index that measures the market value of businesses in the environmental sector.
Continue reading " Energy companies dominate eco-sector "
April 5, 2006
EU warns 17 states on energy laws
Brussels says 17 EU member states including the UK have failed to fully implement measures designed to make their energy markets more competitive.
Continue reading " EU warns 17 states on energy laws "
Russian cold snap hits BP output
Oil giant BP has said that freezing winter temperatures in Russia hit production at its TNK-BP joint venture in the first three months of the year.
Continue reading " Russian cold snap hits BP output "
April 4, 2006
UK offshore wind 'at crossroads'
Offshore wind energy in the UK is unlikely to reach its full potential unless there is additional support from the government, a report shows.
Continue reading " UK offshore wind 'at crossroads' "
April 3, 2006
Drive against energy-greedy office equipment moves forward
The energy efficiency of computers and other office equipment is to get a boost when the EU and US negotiate higher standards for the Energy Star labelling scheme.
Continue reading " Drive against energy-greedy office equipment moves forward "
March 30, 2006
Home power plan 'disappointment'
There has been a lukewarm reaction to the government's strategy on microgeneration, launched Wednesday.
Continue reading " Home power plan 'disappointment' "
March 27, 2006
EU energy policy ignores hidden costs, environmentalists say
Europeans will be paying for the hidden costs of fossil fuels and nuclear power if the EU common energy policy agreed on Friday goes ahead, environmental groups have said.
Continue reading " EU energy policy ignores hidden costs, environmentalists say "
Wind power 'ahead of predictions'
Onshore wind farms will provide about 5% of Britain's electricity by 2010, according to the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).
Continue reading " Wind power 'ahead of predictions' "
March 24, 2006
UK's first bioethanol pump opens
The supermarket chain Morrisons is to open the first E85 pump in the UK, delivering a mixture of 85% bioethanol and 15% petrol. Fuel from the pump, at Morrisons' forecourt at Albion Way in Norwich, can be used by specially modified cars manufactured by Ford and Saab.
Continue reading " UK's first bioethanol pump opens "
Gas prices hit all-time high as fears of energy crisis grow
Gas prices in the UK surged to a record high yesterday as chilly weather sent demand soaring, reviving fears that Britain could face an energy crisis.
Continue reading " Gas prices hit all-time high as fears of energy crisis grow "
March 23, 2006
Georgia's giant hydropower plan raises wave of protest
A planned 700 MW hydroelectric dam in the Republic of Georgia funded by the World Bank would destroy a pristine mountain valley and raise energy prices while doing nothing to stop the energy-starved country's daily blackouts, Georgian and international NGOs argue.
Continue reading " Georgia's giant hydropower plan raises wave of protest "
March 20, 2006
EU Energy Green Paper "weak on renewables"
The new EU energy strategy misses the chance renewables offer for freeing Europe from its addiction to imported fossil fuels, environmental groups argue.
Continue reading " EU Energy Green Paper "weak on renewables" "
March 17, 2006
EU to sign clean coal deal with China
A bilateral agreement to "encourage and develop" the capture and storage of CO2 from coal-fired power stations will take centre stage at the 6th EU-China Energy conference in Shanghai.
Continue reading " EU to sign clean coal deal with China "
March 13, 2006
U.S. - India Nuclear Deal: Reckless on Every Score Say Worldwatch
The security risks inherent in the nuclear cooperation agreement reached yesterday between President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh far outweigh the energy benefits of the deal, according to researchers at the Worldwatch Institute.
Continue reading " U.S. - India Nuclear Deal: Reckless on Every Score Say Worldwatch "
March 10, 2006
Energy efficiency standards for homes to go up
The Government said it would raise energy efficiency standards for UK homes, after undergoing extensive criticism for the previous version of its Code for Sustainable Homes being too limited and voluntary.
Continue reading " Energy efficiency standards for homes to go up "
March 7, 2006
Nuclear not the answer, say Government advisors
Nuclear power is too costly and dangerous to justify its expansion in the UK, even if it cuts carbon emissions, the Government's own advisors said in a new report.
Continue reading " Nuclear not the answer, say Government advisors "
Mayor teams up with power giant to revolutionise London's energy supply
Community-scale power plants, a dedicated grid to supply London alone and the marriage of waste management and energy production were among the ideas on the table when Mayor Ken Livingstone announced the corporate partner which could help make the vision of the London Climate Change Agency a reality.
Continue reading " Mayor teams up with power giant to revolutionise London's energy supply "
March 6, 2006
'No quick fix' from nuclear power
Building new nuclear plants is not the answer to tackling climate change or securing Britain's energy supply, a government advisory panel has reported.
Continue reading " 'No quick fix' from nuclear power "
UK and Europe push for "right kind" of biofuels
Greenhouse emissions savings made by using biofuel vary greatly with the methods used to produce it, and must be taken into account in policy say European and UK transport officials.
Continue reading " UK and Europe push for "right kind" of biofuels "
Shell appeals against latest $1.5 billion Nigerian fine ruling
Almost six years after a Nigerian court first slapped a $1.5 billion fine on oil giant Shell for alleged environmental abuses the company is sticking to its guns, arguing there is no legal grounds for making it pay.
Continue reading " Shell appeals against latest $1.5 billion Nigerian fine ruling "
March 2, 2006
Giant wind farm plan thrown out
Plans to create England's largest wind farm in Cumbria have been rejected by the government.
Continue reading " Giant wind farm plan thrown out "
February 28, 2006
Powergen in big energy price rise
The power company Powergen is putting up its gas prices by 24.4% and electricity prices by 18.4%.
Continue reading " Powergen in big energy price rise "
February 27, 2006
America's answer to nuclear waste: recycle it
Nuclear fuel re-processing will be one of the pillars of America's new nuclear power strategy, overturning a thirty-year ban on reprocessing technologies.
Continue reading " America's answer to nuclear waste: recycle it "
February 24, 2006
Clean diesel could get drivers into low emission zone
Diesel drivers could enter London's proposed low emission zone without facing stiff charges using a device which would scrub out the worst of their tailpipe toxins.
Continue reading " Clean diesel could get drivers into low emission zone "
February 23, 2006
Profits up at British Gas owner
British Gas owner Centrica has announced an 11% rise in operating profit to £1.5bn for 2005.
Continue reading " Profits up at British Gas owner "
February 20, 2006
Blackouts 'threaten UK Olympics'
The London Olympics in 2012 are likely to be hit by electricity blackouts, according to a poll of energy experts.
Continue reading " Blackouts 'threaten UK Olympics' "
February 17, 2006
British Gas raises prices by 22%
Seventeen million British Gas customers are facing higher bills after the firm raised its gas and electricity prices.
Continue reading " British Gas raises prices by 22% "
February 15, 2006
Power prices rise at EDF Energy
EDF Energy, the firm which owns London Energy, Seeboard and SWEB, is to raise the price of gas and electricity for its five million customers.
Continue reading " Power prices rise at EDF Energy "
February 13, 2006
Oil pipeline threatening Siberia's lake Baikal sparks protests
The threat of an oil pipeline scheduled to pass within a kilometre of Siberia's lake Baikal is mounting, following Russian government attempts to silence its own experts, who had rejected the project as environmentally unsafe.
Continue reading " Oil pipeline threatening Siberia's lake Baikal sparks protests "
February 9, 2006
Scottish Power ups energy prices
Scottish Power, the UK's fifth biggest energy supplier, has raised the price of its gas and electricity.
Continue reading " Scottish Power ups energy prices "
Sweden aims for oil-free economy
Sweden says it aims to completely wean itself off oil within 15 years - without building new nuclear plants.
Continue reading " Sweden aims for oil-free economy "
Red buses go green in London
The first wave of hybrid buses have hit the streets of London.
Continue reading " Red buses go green in London "
February 2, 2006
Why UK petrol prices remain high
Soaring profits at Anglo-Dutch energy giant Royal Dutch Shell and other oil firms have led to calls from motorists for station forecourt petrol prices to be cut.
Continue reading " Why UK petrol prices remain high "
Can the US break its oil addiction?
In his State of the Union address, President Bush said the US was "addicted to oil" which threatens to undermine future economic growth.
Continue reading " Can the US break its oil addiction? "
Shell reports record UK profits
Soaring oil prices in 2005 have helped Royal Dutch Shell report a record annual profit for a UK-listed company.
Continue reading " Shell reports record UK profits "
Renewable energy close, Bush says
President Bush has said alternative fuels to compete with petrol could be produced within six years.
Continue reading " Renewable energy close, Bush says "
January 31, 2006
Iran move prompts oil price rise
Crude oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday amid growing tension between the international community and Iran over its nuclear programme.
Continue reading " Iran move prompts oil price rise "
Fuel poverty to increase in 2006
A sharp rise in energy bills in 2006 could force an extra 250,000 households into fuel poverty, the energy price comparison website uSwitch has warned.
Continue reading " Fuel poverty to increase in 2006 "
January 27, 2006
Work begins on bio power station
Work is set to start on a £90m biomass power station, hailed as the largest project of its kind in the UK.
Continue reading " Work begins on bio power station "
January 25, 2006
Sea energy 'could help power UK'
Wave and tidal power can provide a fifth of the UK's electricity needs, according to a new report.
Continue reading " Sea energy 'could help power UK' "
January 23, 2006
'No do-nothing option' over energy
Doing nothing about the UK's future energy supplies is not an option, the Government insisted as it kick-started a drive to speed up a decision on whether to build new nuclear power stations.
Continue reading " 'No do-nothing option' over energy "
Anger over 24-hour street lights
A council that recently boasted it was "leading the way" in protecting the environment has come under fire for leaving street lights on day and night.
Continue reading " Anger over 24-hour street lights "
Majority prefer renewables and efficiency over nuclear future
An overwhelming majority of people favour the promotion of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures as the best ways to tackle climate change rather than restarting a nuclear power programme, a new poll has found.
Continue reading " Majority prefer renewables and efficiency over nuclear future "
Dublin faces fallout from nuclear row
Ireland has sparked the ire of the European Commission by going over its head and asking the UN to settle a spat over the future of the Sellafield nuclear plant.
Continue reading " Dublin faces fallout from nuclear row "
TV's 'sleep' button stands accused
Britons waste the equivalent of around two power stations worth of electricity each year by leaving TV sets and other gadgets on standby.
Continue reading " TV's 'sleep' button stands accused "
Nuclear reactors under spotlight
The safety, cost and suitability of nuclear energy is to be assessed by the Health and Safety Executive, the BBC has learnt.
Continue reading " Nuclear reactors under spotlight "
January 22, 2006
New supply 'to ease UK gas bills'
New gas supplies should ease the burden of rising energy prices, the UK's Trade and Industry Secretary has said.
Continue reading " New supply 'to ease UK gas bills' "
January 17, 2006
Britons 'accepting nuclear power'
A majority of people in Britain would accept new nuclear power stations if they helped fight climate change, a poll suggests.
Continue reading " Britons 'accepting nuclear power' "
January 16, 2006
UK's first bio-ethanol plant to be built in Somerset
The UK's first bio-ethanol plant has been granted planning permission to be built in Henstridge, South Somerset.
Continue reading " UK's first bio-ethanol plant to be built in Somerset "
January 13, 2006
Shell's Nigeria output cut by 20%
Shell has cut its Nigeria oil output by 20% after a pipeline explosion and the kidnapping of four foreign oil workers.
Continue reading " Shell's Nigeria output cut by 20% "
January 12, 2006
Australia, US push cleaner energy
Australia and the US have each promised more than $50m for research into cleaner forms of energy.
Continue reading " Australia, US push cleaner energy "
January 9, 2006
Oil prices rally by more than $1
Crude oil prices have rallied by more than $1 a barrel after sinking to four-and-a-half month lows on Thursday.
Continue reading " Oil prices rally by more than $1 "
December 16, 2005
Next generation could rely on micro-generation
The Government has predicted that almost half the UK's energy needs could be met by home-based renewables within the next 45 years.
Continue reading " Next generation could rely on micro-generation "
Centrica warns gas bills to rise
The owner of British Gas has warned that energy bills will rise again in 2006 to pay for soaring gas prices.
Continue reading " Centrica warns gas bills to rise "
December 14, 2005
Canada harnesses power of tides
The one thing that every schoolchild learns about the Bay of Fundy is that it has the highest tides in the world.
Continue reading " Canada harnesses power of tides "
December 7, 2005
Power line 'key for green energy'
Failure to build a controversial new power line could kill Scotland's renewable energy plans "stone dead", green businesses have warned.
Continue reading " Power line 'key for green energy' "
December 2, 2005
BP to set up multi-billion renewable energy offshoot
Energy giant BP has announced plans to set up the world's biggest low-carbon power business, which it believes will bring multi-billion pound profits within the next ten years.
Continue reading " BP to set up multi-billion renewable energy offshoot "
November 30, 2005
Business cheers for Blair energy review
It came as no surprise when CBI director general Sir Digby Jones took a tough stance against the Greenpeace protesters who had disrupted Prime Minster Tony Blair's speech on energy policy and other issues.
Continue reading " Business cheers for Blair energy review "
November 29, 2005
Nuclear protest hits Blair speech
Greenpeace protesters have disrupted a speech used by Tony Blair to launch an energy review which could lead to new nuclear power stations in the UK.
Continue reading " Nuclear protest hits Blair speech "
Blair to unveil 'nuclear option'
Tony Blair is likely to use a speech to business leaders at the CBI to launch a review of UK energy policy which could lead to new nuclear power stations.
Continue reading " Blair to unveil 'nuclear option' "
November 28, 2005
How coal is cleaning up its act
Coal is back on the agenda as a serious player in meeting the world's future energy demands.
After being pushed to one side in the "dash for gas" in the 1990s, attention is returning to the role of coal in the global energy mix because of its widespread availability and stable price.
Continue reading " How coal is cleaning up its act "
November 26, 2005
No choice over nuclear - Beckett
Nuclear power may have to be embraced in a bid to combat climate change even though it is not a "sustainable" energy source, Margaret Beckett has admitted.
Continue reading " No choice over nuclear - Beckett "
November 23, 2005
Lights 'won't go out' this winter
The lights across Britain will not go out this winter "under any scenario whatsoever", Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson has insisted.
Continue reading " Lights 'won't go out' this winter "
November 22, 2005
Gas price surge shows no slowdown
The UK's cold snap has driven the wholesale price of gas up to its highest level since March.
Continue reading " Gas price surge shows no slowdown "
Blair says nuclear choice needed
Tony Blair says "controversial and difficult" decisions will have to be taken over the need for nuclear power to tackle the UK energy crisis.
Continue reading " Blair says nuclear choice needed "
Oil prices rise on colder weather
Oil prices were pushed higher on Monday as a winter storm began to hit the north-eastern states of the US at the start of Thanksgiving week.
Continue reading " Oil prices rise on colder weather "
November 21, 2005
CBI urges ruling on nuclear power
Business leaders are calling on the government to reach a decision on the future of nuclear energy as concerns grow over future UK power supplies.
Continue reading " CBI urges ruling on nuclear power "
November 18, 2005
Storing power could blow away intermittent inefficiency allegations
Storing the electricity generated from renewable sources and releasing it to the grid as and when it is needed could revolutionise renewable sector business models and blow away allegations of intermittency that often dog the wind power sector in particular, a Canadian energy management company has claimed.
Continue reading " Storing power could blow away intermittent inefficiency allegations "
November 17, 2005
Nigeria orders end to gas flaring
Oil and gas companies have been ordered to stop gas flaring in the Niger Delta, after the Federal High Court said the practice violates guaranteed constitutional rights to life and dignity.
Continue reading " Nigeria orders end to gas flaring "
November 15, 2005
UK 'has high-quality wind supply'
The UK's wind is better for generating electricity than that of its rivals, according to a government-backed study.
Continue reading " UK 'has high-quality wind supply' "
November 10, 2005
Britain facing large energy gap
Britain is facing a shortfall in energy supply in the near future, according to a major report.
Continue reading " Britain facing large energy gap "
November 9, 2005
CBI's energy fears for businesses
A fifth of West Midlands manufacturing firms expect shut-downs and lay-offs if a severe winter sets in, a poll shows.
Continue reading " CBI's energy fears for businesses "
November 2, 2005
Funds to promote renewable energy
A £30m funding package aimed at promoting renewable electricity sources and reducing carbon emissions is to be unveiled by the energy minister.
Continue reading " Funds to promote renewable energy "
October 31, 2005
Grants available for biomass heating boilers
The Government is to make available grants for anyone installing biomass heating boilers as one of the recommendations from the biomass task force which published the results of its consultation last week.
Continue reading " Grants available for biomass heating boilers "
October 26, 2005
Biomass energy report criticised
Biomass, which sees crops grown for use as environmentally friendly fuels, should be used to generate heat, a year-long task force study concluded.
Continue reading " Biomass energy report criticised "
The Arctic's new gold rush
A predicted thaw in the Arctic ice cover combined with a search for energy supplies is leading to a new "gold rush" in the high north, bringing diplomatic problems in its wake as five countries vie for access to resources.
Continue reading " The Arctic's new gold rush "
October 25, 2005
Cows make fuel for biogas train
You have to tell yourself the cows are going to die anyway.
Continue reading " Cows make fuel for biogas train "
October 14, 2005
DTI 'damaging' green power sector
Problems with a government grant programme are damaging the UK's renewable power industry.
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October 6, 2005
Fuel cells 'need political push'
The world must actively push for alternative energy technologies such as fuel cells, says Sir David King, the UK government's chief scientific advisor.
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October 5, 2005
UK to decide on Sakhalin funding
A $20bn oil and gas project in Russia faces a crucial funding decision amid running concerns over its effect on the endangered western Pacific gray whale.
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October 3, 2005
Blair makes renewables lobby nervous
A few short months ago the future looked bright for UK renewables as Tony Blair pushed the global importance of tackling climate change in the build up to the high profile G8 gathering.
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September 30, 2005
Nuclear sites could be privatised
Nuclear power sites across the UK could be privatised after reports of a decision to sell parts of the industry.
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September 26, 2005
Microgrids as peer-to-peer energy
Small networks of power generators in "microgrids" could transform the electricity network in the way that the net changed distributed communication.
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September 19, 2005
Opec to discuss extra oil output
Oil-producing nations in the Opec cartel meet in Vienna on Monday ready to increase output by 500,000 barrels per day, following political pressure.
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September 16, 2005
Green energy costs 'extra £1bn'
Taxpayers could be paying an extra billion pounds a year to subsidise green energy projects like wind farms, according to a group of MPs.
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September 15, 2005
Oil giants set sights on Sakhalin
Oil giants are banking on Sakhalin in the hunt for reserves
Hurricane Katrina has focused attention on the need to find new supplies of energy.
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September 8, 2005
Tall grasses set to power Europe
The fields of Europe could soon take on a shimmering silver colour as farmers grow giant grasses to try to mitigate the effects of global warming.
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September 5, 2005
UK, China in cleaner power plan
Britain and the EU will next week announce plans to hand China the technology for a power station designed to combat climate change.
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August 29, 2005
Putin speaks up for far east pipeline
President Vladimir Putin has defended Russia's planned 1.6mn b/d far east crude pipeline, which has been coming under increasing fire over environmental concerns.
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August 15, 2005
Shell puts controversial Corrib pipeline on hold
Energy giant Shell has agreed to hold off development of an Irish gas pipeline while it tries to woo the vehemently-opposed communities living alongside the proposed line.
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August 11, 2005
Nuclear clean-up cost up to £56bn
Decommissioning the UK's ageing nuclear power stations will cost billions of pounds more than originally expected.
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Oil prices return to record highs
Refinery stoppages and security fears are sending oil prices soaring, topping $65 a barrel for the first time.
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August 9, 2005
Bush hails 'landmark' energy law
US President George W Bush has finally signed into law a $14.5bn (£8.1bn) energy bill, after a four-year battle.
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UK petrol prices hit new record
The average price of unleaded petrol in the UK has risen above 90p a litre for the first time.
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August 2, 2005
Market jitters drive oil over $62
Oil prices have hit new records after the death of Saudi Arabia's king and amid concerns over refineries and Iran.
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July 28, 2005
Town hall wind turbines planned
Wind turbines could soon be installed on the roof of a council building in north London if plans are approved.
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July 11, 2005
Energy efficiency can only be achieved if we enforce the law
All new homes are expected to meet basic energy efficiency standards. But, as Andrew Warren of the Association for the Conservation of Energy reports, nearly half of all builders are breaking the law and failing to meet basic requirements.
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July 6, 2005
Fuel duty increase delayed again
The increase in UK fuel duty due in September is being postponed again, the government has announced.
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July 4, 2005
First hydrogen plane tested in US
A US company says it has successfully completed test flights of a potentially environment-friendly aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen.
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July 1, 2005
'Clean energy' power station move
The world's first industrial-scale clean energy power plant to generate "carbon-free" electricity from hydrogen could be built in Aberdeenshire.
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Oil prices 'drive US action on climate'
The environment itself is not the burning issue at the White House - but the price of gas is.
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June 30, 2005
Council backs huge wind farm plan
Plans to build the largest onshore wind farm in Europe have been approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
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June 29, 2005
Cost of nuclear 'underestimated'
The cost of new nuclear power has been underestimated by a factor of three, according to a British think tank.
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June 28, 2005
Oil prices stuck above $60 mark
Oil prices are continuing to hover close to their record level of $60.95 as concerns about supply persist.
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France gets nuclear fusion plant
France has been awarded a project to build a 10bn-euro ($12bn) nuclear fusion reactor, in the face of strong competition from Japan.
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Fusion centre decision 'imminent'
A long wrangle over the location of a 10bn-euro nuclear fusion reactor could be resolved on Tuesday, with the EU expected to get the nod over Japan.
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June 27, 2005
Oil prices surge to record level
Oil prices have continued to climb on Monday, surging to a record on concerns that demand will outstrip supply.
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June 24, 2005
Self-sufficiency - at what price?
Adding a turbine to solar panels can help attain self-sufficiency
The good news - you do not have to live in a palace built of solar panels and crowned with wind turbines to generate enough power to boil an egg.
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June 20, 2005
Nigeria worry fuels new oil spike
Crude oil prices rose